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THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

PRESENTED  BY 

PROF.  CHARLES  A.  KOFOID  AND 
MRS.  PRUDENCE  W.  KOFOID 


NEW  DECORATIVE  CACTUS  DAHLIA. 
Clifford  W.  Bruton. 


THE  DAHLIA 


A    PRACTICAL    TREATISE 


ON 


ITS    HABITS,    CHARACTERISTICS,    CULTIVATION    AND 

HISTORY 


BY 


LAWRENCE  K.  PEACOCK, 


SECRETARY   OF  AMERICAN   DAHLIA   SOCIETY. 


BEAUTIFULLY  ILLUSTRATED. 


PUBLISHED  BY 

W.    P.    PEACOCK, 

ATCO.  X.  J. 


vS  *••& 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1896,  by 

W.  P.  PEACOCK, 
In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress  at  Washington. 


DUNLAP  PRINTING  Co., 
1306-8-10  Filbert  Street, 

PHILADELPHIA. 


CONTSNTS 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

INTRODUCTION 5 

I.     THE  DAHLIA 7 

II.     CLASSIFICATION 12 

III.  PROPAGATION 17 

IV.  POSITION,   SOIL  AND  MANURES 20 

V.     GARDEN  CULTIVATION 22 

VI.     NEW  VARIETIES 29 

VII.     DAHLIAS   FOR  SPECIAL  PURPOSES 32 

VIII.     DAHLIA  EXHIBITIONS 36 

IX.     CONCLUDING  REMARKS 39 

X.     AMERICAN  DAHLIA  SOCIETY 42 

XI.     SELECT  LIST  OF  VARIETIES 4$ 


ILLUSTRATIONS 

Frontispiece — Decorative,  Cactus  Dahlia,  "Clifford  W.  Bruton."  PAGK 

New  Dwarf  Fancy  Dahlia  "  Rev.  C.  W.  Bolton  " 9 

Bouquet  of  new  Pompon  Dahlias 14 

Comparative  sizes  of  roots  and  plants 23 

Field  scene  of  Nymphaea  Dahlias 26 

New  Show  Dahlia,  ' '  Miss  May  Lomas  " 30 

New  Bedding  Dahlia,  "Psyche" 33 

New  Decorative  Cactus  Dahlia,  "Clifford  W.  Bruton"     37 

Field  scene.      Early  flowering  Semi  Dwarf 40 

Types  of  Decorative  Cactus  Dahlias 47 

Types  of  Show  and  Fancy  Dahlias 52 


INTRODUCTION. 


HE  progress  made  in  floriculture  in  America  during  recent 
years  is  almost  past  comprehension.  Great  floral  establish- 
ments, aggregating  hundreds,  if  not  thousands,  of  acres  of 
glass  have  been  reared  with  marvelous  rapidity.  Hundreds 
of  thousands  of  acres  are  annually  devoted  exclusively  to  the 
cultivation  of  flowers.  Hundreds,  perhaps  thousands,  of  hor- 
ticultural clubs  and  societies  have  been  formed  for  the  purpose  of  holding 
exhibitions  and  further  developing  floriculture,  with  most  gratifying  results. 
Everywhere  greater  attention  is  given,  not  only,  to  the  flower  garden,  but 
the  floral  decoration  of  the  lawn.  Nor  does  this  interest  stop  with  the 
autumn  frosts  and  wintry  blasts.  Flowers  are  so  greatly  appreciated 
that  conservatories  are  erected  and  window  gardens  are  prepared,  that 
blooming  plants  may  always  be  near  to  gladden  the  heavy  heart  and  revive 
the  drooping  spirit,  when  troubles  come  or  cares  oppress.  They  are  rapidly 
becoming  such  a  necessary  luxury  that  many  cannot  and  will  not  be  content 
without  them.  They  are,  indeed,  the  joy  alike  of  the  rich  and  the  poor,  the 
old  and  the  young  ;  in  success  or  in  adversity  they  are  ever  our  friends, 
gratefully  repaying  our  small  attentions  with  their  profusion  of  bloom. 

At  the  beginning  of  each  year  we  dream  of  delightful  grounds  and  beau- 
tiful flowers — flowers  for  all  purposes — flowers  so  beautiful  that  our  homes 
promise  to  be,  indeed,  a  paradise  of  surpassing  loveliness.  Our  dreams  are 
more  than  realized  during  May  and  June,  when  we  find  roses,  flowering 
shrubs,  and  bulbs  in  endless  variety,  to  say  nothing  of  other  flowers,  blooming 
everywhere  in  the  greatest  profusion.  But  our  dreams  do  not  last.  June 
and  our  flowers,  at  least  most  of  them,  bid  us  adieu.  It  is  now  that  we  need 
a  first-class  flower  that  will  fill  our  empty  vases,  beautify  our  la\vns  ;  in  fact, 
a  flower  that  will  completely  fill  the  space  between  roses  and  chrysanthemums, 
wrhen  other  good  flowers  are  not  plentiful.  Flower  after  flower  has  been  tried 
until  at  last  it  became  evident  that  the  "  Dahlia"  was  the  only  flower  having 


6  THE    DAHLIA. 

the  proper  qualifications.  As  soon  as  this  fact  was  realized,  interest  was  at 
once  aroused  ;  skilled  specialists  began  producing  exquisite  varieties,  and  the 
Dahlia  entered  on  a  new  era  of  popularity. 

Not  only  have  the  older  forms  and  classes  been  improved,  but  new  types 
have  been  produced  for  special  purposes.  The  most  important  of  these  new 
types  are  the  Cactus  and  Decorative  varieties,  which,  with  their  exquisite  forms, 
superb  colors,  beautifully  blended  shades  and  tints,  have  only  to  be  seen  to 
become  favorites  with  all.  Dahlias  are  of  the  easiest  culture,  yet  there  are 
drawbacks  to  their  successful  cultivation  by  the  amateur.  Many  devote  con- 
siderable time  and  expense  to  their  culture,  and  fail  to  get  the  best  results, 
simply  because  their  well  meant  intentions  were  not  beneficial,  to  say  the 
least.  The  Dahlia  can  be  grown  to  perfection  in  every  garden  with  but  little 
care  and  expense,  if  attention  is  given  to  its  simple  requirements. 

There  are,  however,  no  American  works  on  the  subject  from  which  the 
amateur  can  secure  needed  information,  while  foreign  works  are  of  little 
value,  owing  to  the  difference  in  soil  and  climatic  conditions.  It  is  to  supply 
this  long  felt  want  and  to  enable  every  one  to  grow  lovely  Dahlias,  even  under 
adverse  conditions,  that  the  writer  presents  this  small  treatise  to  the  American 
public. 

In  the  following  chapters  can  be  found,  in  a  clear  and  concise  form,  such 
information  as  has  been  gleaned  from  years  of  practical  experience.  Partic- 
ular stress  has  been  laid  on  several  facts,  especially  upon  the  necessity  of 
frequent  stirring  of  the  surface  soil  to  prevent  excessive  evaporation  of 
moisture.  Many  think  the  only  necessity  of  cultivation  is  to  keep  down  the 
weeds  ;  but,  positively,  weeds  do  little  more  harm  than  hard  baked  surface  soil. 
The  illustrations  herein  given  speak  volumes  for  themselves  on  this  subject ; 
they  are  all  reproduced  from  photographs  taken  right  out  in  a  ten  acre  field, 
Sept.  28,  1895,  after  a  continuous  drouth  of  nine  weeks,  and  are  intended 
to  show  that  Dahlias  can  be  grown  successfully,  even  under  adverse  condi- 
tions, rather  than  what  can  be  grown,  all  things  favorable.  It  is  the  aim  of 
the  writer  to  make  the  path  to  successful  Dahlia  culture  so  pleasant  and  easy 
that  all  may  wish  to  travel  it,  knowing  full  well  that  once  they  are  planted 
the  pleasure  derived  will  be  so  great  that  they  will  ever  after  be  cultivated 
and  highly  prized.  Neither  labor  nor  expense  has  been  spared  in  making 
this  little  treatise  attractive,  useful,  and  true  to  nature,  that  it  may  receive  a 
cordial  welcome  in  every  flower-loving  home. 


THE    DAHLIA. 


CHAPTER    I. 

THE    DAHLIA. 

HE  Dahlia  (Dahlia  Variabilis  of  Linnaeus)  is  a  tender  tuberous 
rooted  perennial  ;  a  native  of  Mexico,  and  was  first  discovered 
by  Baron  Humboldt  in  1789.  It  was  sent  by  him  to  Prof. 
Cavenilles,  of  the  Botanical  Gardens,  Madrid,  who  named  it 
Dahlia,  in  honor  of  the  celebrated  Swedish  botanist,  Prof. 
Andrew  Dahl.  It  was  introduced  into  England  in  the  same 
year  (1789)  by  the  Marchioness  of  Bute,  who  secured  a  plant 
from  Prof.  Cavenilles.  Although  this  plant  was  grown  under  glass  and  re- 
ceived the  greatest  care,  the  stock  was  finally  lost  and  it  was  reintroduced  into 
England  by  Lady  Holland  in  1804.  In  France,  Spain  and  Germany  the 
Dahlia  also  received  great  attention,  and  to  this  day  is  still  prized  as  one  of 
their  finest  summer  and  autumn  blooming  plants.  Although  other  species  were 
found  and  introduced  from  Mexico,  yet  it  is  remarkable  that  they  should  not 
hybridize  and,  except  D.  Coccinea.  Cav. ,  were  not  general!}'  grown.  Both 
D.  Variabilis  and  D.  Coccinea  broke  into  numerous  colors  and  became  gene- 
ral favorites  with  the  botanists  and  gardeners,  who  raised  many  new  varie- 
ties from  selected  seed.  A  great  impetus  was  given  Dahlia  culture  in  1814, 
with  the  introduction  of  the  first  double  variety.  From  this  variety  and 
several  others  that  quickly  followed,  nearly  all  our  present  named  varieties 
were  produced. 

Though  the  Dahlia  was  found  so  close  to  the  United  States,  as  is  usually 
the  case,  it  was  not  introduced  directly  from  Mexico,  but  was  shortly  afterward 
introduced  from  England  in  the  form  of  several  improved  varieties.  In 
America,  as  in  Europe,  the  Dahlia  soon  became  a  great  favorite  and  was 
universally  grown. 

There  is  one  peculiarity  that  must  not  be  overlooked  ;  during  thirty  to 
fort}*  years  of  constant  improvement  the  one  aim  was  to  produce  perfectly 
double,  regular,  ball-shaped  flowers  ;  the  nearer  a  perfect  ball  they  were  the 
more  highly  they  were  prized.  This  type  had  by  1840  reached  almost  per- 
fection, and  was  the  only  type  considered  worth  growing.  At  this  time,  and 
for  many  years  afterward,  the  Dahlia  was  the  favorite  garden  plant  with 
amateurs,  gardeners  and  florists. 

But  as  the  demand  seemed  to  be  assured,  the  seedsmen  and  florists  con- 
tinued to  grow  mainly  the  single  and  show  or  ball-shaped  varieties,  and  when 


8  THE    DAHLIA. 

they  had  reached  what  they  thought  was  perfection  in  those  types,  ceased  to 
strive  after  new  varieties  and  forms,  but  continued  to  grow  and  offer  the 
same  varieties  from  year  to  year.  This  was  followed  by  a  decline  in  the 
demand  for  roots,  as  some  had  become  tired  of  the  stiff  form  of  the  old  varie- 
ties, and  others  having  a  complete  collection  of  what  was  offered,  began  to 
look  to  other  flowers  for  something  new.  Under  these  conditions,  which 
were  brought  about  by  the  florists  themselves,  the  Dahlia  received  less  and 
less  attention  as  the  years  went  by.  In  fact,  this  neglect  went  so  far  that  at 
last  it  was  almost  impossible  to  secure  good  varieties  true  to  name.  To 
illustrate,  I  will  give  a  few  instances  out  of  the  many  that  has  been  brought 
to  my  attention.  In  one  instance  three  growers  offered  the  same  variety 
under  three  different  names,  while  in  another  case  one  variety  was 
sent  out  under  nineteen  different  names  by  the  same  concern.  I,  myself, 
a  few  years  ago,  bought  five  large  collections  from  as  many  different  firms 
and  in  some  cases  had  several  varieties  under  the  same  name,  and  in  others 
had  the  same  variety  under  several  different  names,  while  many  varieties 
were  entirely  worthless.  Of  course  we  must  be  charitable  enough  to  believe 
it  was  carelessness  only,  yet  such  neglect  is  almost  criminal  when  we  consider 
its  evil  results. 

Fortunately,  however,  during  this  time  the  Dahlia  was  undergoing  a 
complete  transformation  in  Europe,  especially  in  Kngland,  where  new  types 
and  forms  were  being  produced  to  conform  to  the  prevalent  demand  for  loose, 
graceful  flowers.  The  term  "loose"  is  not  used  to  denote  semi-double  or 
open  center  flowers,  but  to  distinguish  them  from  the  solid  compact  form  of 
the  old  varieties.  Some  of  these  new  Cactus  and  Decorative  varieties  are 
marvels  of  superb  beauty,  not  only  in  form,  but  in  their  beautiful  shades, 
tints  and  exquisite  finish. 

As  soon  as  some  of  these  finer  varieties  were  introduced,  interest  was  at 
once  revived,  and  as  a  result  we  now  have  specialists  who  equal,  at  least, 
the  foreign  growers  in  the  production  of  superior  varieties.  But  owing  to 
the  decadence  of  the  Dahlia  trade,  through  multiplicity  of  names  and  in- 
feriority of  varieties,  it  soon  became  evident  to  these  specialists  that  they 
must  work  together,  shoulder  to  shoulder,  if  they  wished  to  thoroughly 
popularize  the  Dahlia.  At  the  suggestion  of  several  amateur  admirers  of 
the  Dahlia,  one  of  these  specialists  undertook  the  formation  of  a  national 
society,  and  the  "  American  Dahlia  Society,"  which  is  fully  described  in  a 
succeeding  chapter,  was  the  gratifying  result. 

That  the  proper  course  was  taken  is  conclusively  proven  from  the  fact 
that  in  the  past  three  years  the  demand  has  increased  fully  twenty-five  per 
cent,  each  year,  and  that  the  demand  was  mainly  for  new  and  distinct  varie- 
ties ;  while  the  seedsmen  and  florists  are  at  last  awakened  to  the  necessity  of 
offering  only  the  best  varieties  true  to  name.  Dahlias  now  form  part  of  the 


NEW  DWARF  FANCY  DAHLIA.— Rev.  C.  W.  Bolton. 

Planted  June  26th.     Photographed  Sept  28th,  1895,  after  nine  weeks  continuous  drouth. 
Single  stem  branching  system. 


IO  THE    DAHLIA. 

florists  stock  of  cut  flowers  during  their  season,  and  thousands  of  blooms  are 
used  daily  for  bouquets,  designs  and  decorations,  many  times  at  a  higher 
price  than  paid  for  roses. 

There  is  really  no  other  flower  that  will  give  so  much  pleasure  for  so 
little  care  and  expense.  It  combines  more  good  qualities  than  any  other 
flower  grown  in  the  open  garden,  where  it  can  be  had  in  perfection  from 
June  until  cut  down  by  frost.  The  plant  is  a  strong,  robust  grower  and  such 
a  gross  feeder  that  it  will  grow  in  any  kind  of  soil  if  given  proper  nutriment. 
To  illustrate  how  readily  they  will  grow  and  bloom,  where  large  clumps  are 
used,  I  will  give  an  experience  we  had  a  few  years  ago. 

After  planting  our  Dahlias  and  while  cleaning  up  the  cellar,  I  came 
across  some  very  large  clumps  that  had  been  set  aside  ;  finding  that  they 
were  mixed  roots,  and  having  planted  all  we  wished,  I  ordered  them  to  be 
thrown  on  the  waste  pile,  which  was  to  be  hauled  away  to  help  fill  up  a  large 
washout.  I  had  intended  to  have  this  washout  filled  up  at  once,  but  we  were 
all  busy  and  it  went  on  until  July,  when,  happening  along  one  day,  I  saw 
several  beautiful  blooms  of  the  Dahlia  ' '  Mrs.  Dexter. ' '  To  say  I  was  sur- 
prised is  putting  it  mildly.  Several  loads  of  all  kinds  of  rubbish  had  been 
dumped  right  down  on  the  hard,  yellow  subsoil  bottom,  and  growing  here 
without  any  attention  the  plants  were  strong  and  vigorous,  while  the  flowers 
were  as  fine  as  I  ever  saw.  It  had  been  a  wet  season  and  as  the  shoots  from 
the  large  clumps  w7ere  so  strong  they  came  through  nearly  two  feet  of  trash, 
growing  luxuriantly. 

While  in  the  Dahlia  can  be  found,  not  only  every  color,  except  blue,  and 
every  intermediate  shade  and  tint,  from  the  softest  to  the  richest,  but  the  most 
beautiful  combinations  of  colors  and  marvelous  blendings  of  shades  and  tints  ; 
yet  it  is  this  ease  of  culture,  combined  with  its  varied  habits  and  adaptability 
to  conditions,  that  makes  the  plant  most  valuable  and  popular.  The  new 
Tom  Thumb  varieties,  both  double  and  single,  grow  but  twelve  to  eighteen 
inches  high,  while  Imperials  and  Arborea  grow  from  twelve  to  fifteen  feet 
high.  Between  these  two  extremes  are  the  dwarf,  the  semi-dwarf  and 
the  .standard  or  tall  varieties.  The  gardener  can  thus  select  varieties 
of  any  height  or  habit  desired  for  any  special  purpose,  such  as  bedding, 
massing  or  banking,  for  borders  of  any  height,  or  for  specimen  plants  for 
the  lawn. 

As  a  cut  flower,  whether  for  bouquets,  decorations,  or  exhibition  pur- 
poses, the  Dahlia  is  unsurpassed  owing  to  the  great  diversity  of  form  and 
the  brilliant  lustre  of  the  colors.  In  size  they  vary  from  the  smallest  of  the 
Pompon,  growing  but  one-half  inch  across,  to  the  largest  of  the  Show  and 
Cactus  varieties.  Specimen  blooms  of  the  largest  of  these  latter  varieties 
have  been  grown  seven  to  nine  inches  in  diameter,  on  stems  three  feet  long. 
Such  is  the  history  and  a  few  of  the  main  characteristics  of  a  plant  that  has 


THE    DAHLIA.  II 

been  grown  and  improved  for  more  than  a  century,  and  is,  to-day,  wherever 
the  finer  varieties  are  known,  the  most  popular  summer  and  autumn  blooming 
plant  in  cultivation. 

Possibly  no  other  plant  shows  the  skill  of  the  florist  to  such  a  marked 
degree  ;  and,  taking  the  wonderful  improvements  of  the  last  few  years  as  a 
criterion,  we  may  well  ask  how  far  the  specialist  can  carry  his  skill.  Unlike 
many  other  plants,  its  vigor  seems  to  keep  apace  with  its  other  improvements  ; 
and,  as  we  consider  these  things,  we  must  admit  tbat  the  possibilities  of  the 
Dahlia  in  the  future  are  almost  limitless.  If  you  admire  beautiful  flowers 
and  want  them  in  profusion  from  June  until  frost,  plant  Dahlias  and  you  will 
be  delighted.  No  matter  how  many  other  plants  ma}'  fail  to  thrive,  or 
whether  the  season  is  \vet  or  dry,  you  can  grow  them  successfully  if  you  but 
heed  their  simple  requirements. 


12 


THE    DAHLIA. 


CHAPTER     II. 

CLASSIFICATION. 

T  is  doubtful  if  two  persons  would  classify  Dahlias  exactly  alike. 
Some  would  make  so  many  sections  as  to  be  confusing,  while 
others  would  fail  to  give  a  sufficient  number  to  demonstrate 
marked  distinctions.  As  the  latter  is  the  lesser  evil  of  the  twro 
I  shall,  if  I  err  at  all,  err  on  that  side.  Many,  speaking  on 
the  subject,  criticise  the  forming  of  so  many  classes  in  any 
flower  as  confusing  to  the  amateur,  and  perhaps,  to  a  certain 
extend,  they  are  right  ;  but  it  is  more  confusing  to  offer  five  yellow  Dahlias, 
in  one  section,  than  it  is  to  offer  the  same  number  in  five  different  sections. 
Amateurs  would  not  want  to  buy  two  or  more  varieties  that  are  exactly  alike, 
or  even  similar,  and  in  the  former  case  would  hesitate,  not  knowing  which 
to  select,  but  when  offered  in  distinct  sections  they  would  know7  at  once 
which  they  wanted  from  the  characteristics  of  the  section  to  which  it 
belonged . 

Dahlias  are  divided  into  two  parts  or  general  divisions,  double  and  single, 
while  each  of  these  divisions  are  again  divided  into  sections,  according  to 
habit  of  plant  and  type  of  flower. 

Part  I.  Double  Dahlias. — Double  Dahlias  are  divided  into  the  following 
classes,  or,  more  properly  speaking,  sections  : — Cactus,  Decorative,  Show, 
Fancy,  Pompon  or  Bouquet,  Dwarf  and  Double  Tom  Thumb.  These  sec- 
tions are  again  sub-divided  by  some,  but  the  practice  is  to  be  deprecated  as 
it  only  leads  to  confusion  ;  and  instead  of  making  more  classes  or  sections, 
any  distinctive  features  should  be  placed  in  the  description  of  the  individual 
variety. 

Cactus  Dahlias. — This  section  is  of  recent  introduction  and  is  among  the 
most  useful  and  beautiful  of  the  entire  family.  Juarezzi  was  the  first  Cactus 
Dahlia,  and  is  still  quite  popular,  though  it  would  not  now  be  considered  an 
ideal  type.  The  flowers  are  very  large,  flat  and  of  the  most  exquisite  finish, 
being  soft,  delicate  and  graceful.  The  colors  of  this  class  are  the  most 
exquisitely  delicate  and  refined,  while  the  blendings  of  shades  and  tints  are 
surpassingly  lovely.  The  flowers  are  perfectly  double,  loosely  arranged, 
irregular  in  outline,  and  are  borne  on  good  stems,  W7ell  supplied  with  buds 
and  foliage.  The  plants  are  mostly  strong  growers  and  are  very  profuse 
bloomers. 


THE    DAHLIA.  13 

Decorative  Dahlias. — This  group  is  similar  to  the  preceding  in  habit  but 
are  of  stronger  growth  and  are  more  profuse  bloomers.  They  are  generally 
sold  as  Cactus  Dahlias  but  are  entirely  distinct.  In  form  they  are  about  half- 
way between  the  Show  and  Cactus  varieties,  being  sometimes  called  Semi- 
Cactus.  The  flowers  have  the  same  exquisite  colors  and  superb  finish  of  the 
cactus  varieties  ;  are  of  largest  size,  beautiful  form,  and  are  borne  on  long 
stems  supplied  with  buds  and  foliage.  The  petals  are  long,  broad,  beautiful 
and  regular,  though  the}-  vary  in  form  in  different  varieties.  This  class,  as 
the  name  would  suggest,  is  the  best  for  general  decorations. 

S/ton1  Dahlias. — These  are  a  branch  of  the  old  ball-shaped  type,  and  are 
very  highly  prized  by  all  who  wish  to  make  a  beautiful  show  in  mass.  They 
are  very  large,  of  beautiful  compact  form,  and  are  double  to  the  centre.  In 
many  cases  the  outer  petals  reflex  to  the  stem,  forming  a  perfect  ball.  This 
is  the  oldest  form  of  the  double  Dahlia,  and  is  better  known  and  more  uni- 
versally grown  than  any  other  section.  Some  of  the  varieties  are  unsurpassed 
for  vases  and  large  decorations,  being  of  immense  size,  with  long  stems. 
They  embrace  the  full  range  of  colors,  except  blue,  and  ever}7  intermediate 
shade  and  tint.  The  flowers  are  all  either  solid  self-colored  or  edged  and 
shaded  darker  than  the  ground  color.  This  section  is  invaluable  for  bank- 
ing and  massing,  or,  in  fact,  for  an}-  purpose  where  a  large  display  is  wanted. 

Fancy  Dahlias. — Also  a  branch  of  the  old  ball- shaped  type,  but  are  en- 
tirely distinct  from  the  Show  Dahlia,  and  are  the  most  popular  ever}- where, 
owing  to  the  lovely  combinations  of  colors  in  the  same  flower.  They  are 
splashed,  penciled,  margined,  edged  and  variegated  in  every  conceivable 
manner  and  form.  The  flowers  are  of  large  size,  beautiful  and  regular  form, 
while  the  plants  are  strong,  vigorous  growers  and  free  bloomers.  They  are 
general  favorites,  and  are  largely  planted  in  garden  collections  and  as  spec- 
men  plants.  This  section  is  seldom  offered  separately,  but  is  included  in  the 
Double  Large  Flowering  or  Show  Dahlias  of  the  catalogues. 

Pompon  or  Bouquet  Dahlias. — This  is  not  only  a  charming  section,  but 
one  of  the  loveliest  of  the  entire  family.  The  flowers  are  of  the  most  beau- 
tiful form,  and  embrace  every  color,  shade,  and  tint  found  in  Dahlias. 
They  are  very  highly  colored,  while  many  of  the  varieties  are  beautifully 
variegated.  The  plants  are  of  dwarf,  compact  growth,  and,  being  continually 
covered  with  a  mass  of  flowers,  are  very  effective  for  bedding  or  borders, 
where  they  produce  a  beautiful  effect.  The  flowers  are  largely  used  for 
bouquets  and  decorations,  lasting  a  long  time  after  being  cut.  This  section 
is  especially  valuable  for  pot  culture  and  for  planting  on  small  grounds  where 
a  large  collection  is  desired,  as  they  can  be  planted  much  closer  together  than 
the  larger  varieties. 

Divarf  or  Bedding  Dahlias. — This  section  is  also  generally  included  with 
the  Double  Large  Flowering  or  Show  Dahlias.  The  plants  are  beautiful  and 


Bouquet  of  New  Pompon  Dahlias. 


THE    DAHLIA.  15 

symmetrical,  growing  but  eighteen  inches  to  three  feet  high,  and  are  strong, 
sturdy,  and  compact.  Some  of  the  varieties  are  extensively  grown  for  cut 
flowers,  while  they  are  all  unsurpassed  as  specimen  plants  or  for  bedding 
purposes,  owing  to  their  great  profusion  of  bloom  and  brilliant  colors. 

Double  Tom  Thumb  Dahlias. — A  section  of  pigmies  growing  only  twelve 
to  eighteen  inches  high,  and  the  one  pre-eminently  adapted  for  bedding  and 
pot  culture.  The  flowers  are  from  two  to  three  inches  in  diameter,  and  are 
borne  a  few  inches  above  the  foliage,  being  quite  distinct  and  striking.  They 
will  undoubtedly  be  largely  used  for  bedding,  and  are  very  appropriate  for 
children's  miniature  flower  gardens. 

Part  II. — Single  Dahlias. — Single  Dahlias  are  certainly  very  beautiful 
and  useful  for  bouquets,  decorations,  specimen  plants  and  bedding,  and 
should  be  included  in  every  collection.  When  the  new  high  colored  varie- 
ties become  better  known  they  will  undoubtedly  be  universally  grown.  All 
Single  Dahlias  should  have  but  eight  rays  or  petals,  and  the  rays  should  be 
of  the  same  length.  Single  Dahlias  are  sometimes  divided  into  numerous 
sections,  but  I  shall  be  more  conservative,  and  instead  of  subdividing  sec- 
tions, will  mention  the  leading  characteristics  of  each  section.  I  will,  there- 
fore, divide  Single  Dahlias  into  the  following  sections  :  Standard,  Show, 
Fancy,  Cactus,  Dwarf,  and  Tom  Thumb. 

Standard  Single  Dahlias. — These  are  the  old  type  generally  cultivated 
during  the  past  and  still  prized  by  many  for  their  large  size  and  long  stems. 
The  plants  are  tall,  strong,  robust  growers,  of  a  branching  habit ;  they  are 
free  bloomers,  and  the  easiest  of  Dahlias  to  grow.  The  flowers  are  self-colored, 
though  sometimes  shaded  and  edged  darker  than  the  ground  color  ;  they  are 
large,  flat,  and  embrace  the  entire  range  of  colors. 

Single  Show  Dahlias. — So  named  because  of  their  superb  exhibition 
qualities.  They  are  entirely  distinct  from  the  preceding,  and  are  the  most 
beautifully  formed  of  all  single  varieties.  The  flowers  are  large,  self-colored, 
though  sometimes  edged  and  shaded  darker  than  the  ground  color.  The 
petals  are  broad,  overlapping  each  other,  and  are  beautifully  reflexed,  thus 
giving  a  rounded,  finished  appearance  to  the  flower.  This  section  is  highly 
prized  for  all  purposes. 

Single  Fancy  Dahlias. — The  grandest  of  the  single  sections,  and  universal 
favorites  everywhere.  The  flowers  are  spotted,  striped,  splashed,  margined, 
variegated,  and  blended  in  every  conceivable  and  inconceivable  manner. 
The  colors,  shades  and  tints  are  the  loveliest  found  in  nature,  and  embrace 
all  from  the  softest  to  the  richest.  The  flowers  are  of  beautiful  forms,  some 
being  reflex,  of  large  size,  and  are  marvels  of  entrancing  loveliness.  They 
are  strong  growers,  profuse  bloomers,  and  are  invaluable  for  all  purposes. 

Single  Cactus  Dahlias. — As  the  name  would  suggest,  these  are  entirely 
distinct  from  any  other  section.  The  petals  are  long,  narrow,  and  irregular, 


1 6  THE    DAHLIA. 

sometimes  twisted  at  the  tip.  The}7  are  strong,  vigorous  growers,  while  the 
flowers,  which  are  beautifully  borne  on  long,  graceful  stems,  are  soft,  deli- 
cate, and  of  largest  size.  The}7  are  highly  prized  for  bouquets  and  decora- 
tions on  account  of  their  superb  colors  and  unique  form. 

Single  Dwarf  Dahlias. — Of  strong,  sturdy  growth,  and  from  eighteen 
inches  to  three  feet  high.  The  flowers  are  medium  to  large,  embrace  the 
full  range  of  colors,  and  are  extensively  used  for  borders,  bedding,  massing 
and  banking.  They  are  very  profuse  bloomers,  sometimes  as  many  as  fifty 
flowers  being  out  at  one  time  on  a  single  plant.  They  are  also  largely  used 
for  bouquets,  decorations,  and  for  specimen  plants. 

Single  Tom  Thumb. — These,  like  the  Double  Tom  Thumb,  are  a  race 
of  pigmies,  growing  but  ten  to  eighteen  inches  high.  They  embrace  a  com- 
plete range  of  colors,  and  are  especially  adapted  for  pot  culture  and  all  kinds 
of  bedding.  The  flowers  are  small,  growing  but  one  and  a  half  to  two  and 
a  half  inches  in  diameter,  while  some  are  beautifully  variegated.  The  plants 
are  sturdy  little  fellows,  and  quite  distinct  and  striking  with  their  small, 
brightly-colored  flowers  borne  a  few  inches  above  the  beautiful,  serrated 
foliage.  Owing  to  their  miniature  size  they  are  a  very  appropriate  plant  for 
children's  gardens  ;  and  are  quite  interesting  if  planted  for  contrast  along 
side  of  the  tall  varieties. 


THE    DAHLIA. 


CHAPTER    III. 

PROPAGATION. 

HERE  are  four  methods  by  which  Dahlias  are  propagated  ;  by 
cuttings,  division  of  roots,  and  by  grafting  to  perpetuate  ex- 
isting kinds,  and  by  seeds  to  produce  new  varieties. 

Division  of  Roots . — This  is  the  easiest  and  most  satisfac- 
tory to  amateurs,  and  is  so  simple  as  to  scarcely  need  descrip- 
tion. As  the  eyes  are  not  on  the  individual  tubers  but  on  the 
crown  to  which  the  tubers  are  attached,  care  must  be  taken 
that  each  division  has  at  least  one  eye.  It  is  therefore  best  to  start  the  eyes 
by  placing  the  roots  in  a  warm,  moist  place  a  short  time  before  dividing. 
The  roots  are  sometimes  placed  in  a  hot-bed,  and  the  shoots  grown  to  con- 
siderable size,  then  divided  and  set  out  as  plants  ;  but  as  this  plan  has  many 
drawbacks,  I  would  not  advise  it. 

By  Cuttings. — This  method  is  used  mainly  by  commercial  gro\vers,  and 
though  the  amateur  may  easily  propagate  plants  successfully,  the  attention 
a  few  cuttings  would  require  would  be  so  great  that  it  would  be  cheaper  to 
buy  the  plants.  However,  as  it  may  be  of  interest  to  some,  I  will  describe 
how  Dahlias  are  propagated  by  this  method  on  commercial  places.  The  roots 
are  planted  closely  in  benches  in  the  greenhouse  early  in  January,  and  cut- 
tings are  made  from  the  young  shoots  as  fast  as  they  corm  the  third  or  fourth 
set  of  leaves.  These  cuttings  are  carefully  trimmed  and  placed  in  pure  sand 
in  the  propagating  bench,  using  a  dibble,  and  putting  the  cuttings  in  rows 
two  or  three  inches  apart  and  about  a  half  inch  between  the  cuttings.  The 
propagating  bench  is  made  by  running  a  flue,  hot  water  or  steam  pipes  be- 
neath an  ordinary  bench,  and  boarding  up  the  sides  to  confine  the  heat.  Al- 
though there  may  be  a  difference  of  opinion  among  propagators,  yet  a  bottom 
or  sand  heat  of  65  degrees,  with  the  temperature  of  the  house  from  5  to  10 
degrees  less,  will  give  the  best  practical  results.  With  this  temperature  the 
cuttings  wrill  root  in  about  two  weeks,  and  will  be  far  stronger  than  if  rooted 
in  less  time  with  greater  heat.  As  soon  as  the  cuttings  are  rooted,  they  are 
potted  off  into  small  pots  and  grown  in  a  cool  greenhouse  until  danger  of 
frost  is  over,  when  they  are  planted  out  in  the  open  ground. 

By  Grafting. — This  is  a  very  interesting,  though  not  profitable,  mode  of 
propagation.  The  top  of  the  tuber  is  cut  slantingly  upward,  and  the  cutting 
slantingly  downward,  placed  together  and  tied  with  any  soft,  handy  material. 


1 8  THE   DAHLIA. 

They  are  then  planted  in  a  pot  deep  enough  to  cover  the  lower  part  of  the 
graft  with  earth,  and  they  will  soon  adhere  if  placed  under  a  hand  glass  or 
in  a  frame.  But  as  grafting  has  no  advantages  over  the  ordinary  mode  of 
propagation  by  cuttings  it  is  seldom  practiced. 

By  Seeds. — Though  many  grow  Dahlias  from  seed  instead  of  planting 
roots,  yet  seeds  are  generally  planted  to  produce  new  varieties  only.  This 
being  the  case,  the  matter  will  be  fully  treated  in  another  chapter  under  the 
head  of  new  varieties. 

Excessive  Propagation. — I  know  of  no  other  name  for  it,  and  must  say 
that  whoever  is  guilty  of  it  is  doing  a  great  deal  of  harm  to  Dahlia  culture. 
By  excessive  propagation  is  meant  the  forcing  under  glass,  not  only  of  the 
roots,  but  plants  grown  from  the  roots,  often  two  or  three  times  removed. 
In  this  way  many  good  varieties  are  so  run  down  that  they  come  absolutely 
single,  and  it  takes  a  year  or  two  for  them  to  recover  their  old  time  vigor. 
Especially  do  florists  make  a  mistake  in  forcing  their  new  introductions  in  this 
way,  as  they  always  lose  in  the  end. 

A  number  of  years  ago,  a  firm  in  England  introduced  a  very  fine  Dahlia, 
and  to  meet  the  enormous  demand  the  stock  was  forced  under  great  heat  ; 
as  a  result  the  cuttings  were  so  weak  that  they  made  poor,  delicate  plants, 
and  the  few  flowers  produced  had  large  open  centres,  many  being  almost 
perfectly  single.  Consequently  every  one  was  disappointed  and  considerable 
money  was  refunded.  Now  mark  the  sequel.  The  next  year  the  flowers 
came  perfectly  double  again,  but  it  was  too  late  for  the  introducers  ;  they 
had  paid  the  penalty  of  their  excessive  greed. 

There  are  many  reasons  why  these  facts  should  be  known  by  all  who 
grow  Dahlias,  though  the  main  reason  is  that  every  variety  will  be  grown  at 
least  two  years,  and  not  discarded  because  they  fail  to  come  perfectly  full  the 
first  year.  Had  this  fact  been  universally  known,  it  would  have  saved  con- 
siderable loss  and  disappointment,  as,  undoubtedly,  many  sorts  discarded  in 
the  past  were  really  fine  varieties.  Therefore,  if  you  purchase  a  new  highly 
praised  variety  and  it  should  not  answer  quite  to  the  description,  do  not  con- 
demn it  too  soon  but  grow  it  at  least  two  more  years.  During  this  time  it 
will,  if  properly  cultivated,  show  its  true  characteristics  ;  and  if  it  still  proves 
inferior  write  to  the  source  from  which  it  was  secured,  making  your  com- 
plaints. 

If  this  practice  of  waiting  a  year  or  two  was  always  followed,  many 
complaints  would  never  be  written  at  all,  as  varieties  are  very  apt  to  vary 
under  different  conditions  and  according  to  the  seasons.  A  variety  may  be 
pure  white  this  year,  yet  come  tinted  pink  next,  and  visa  versa.  As  an 
example,  I  will  mention  the  Decorative- Cactus  Dahlia  "  Nymphaea." 
This  variety,  under  favorable  conditions,  is  of  a  beautiful,  clear,  light 
shrimp  pink  color,  and  has  a  delicate  refined  Water  I^ily  fragrance,  but  is 


THB    DAHLIA.  19 

devoid  of  fragrance  and  almost  pure  white  during  an  excessively  wet,  cold 
and  cloudy  season,  or  very  late  in  the  autumn.  Of  course  if  an  entirely 
distinct  variety  is  received  it  is  something  else,  and  a  complaint  together 
with  a  flower  should  be  sent  at  once. 

Division  of  roots  is  not  only  the  easiest  and  best,  but  far  the  cheapest  of 
the  three  methods  of  propagation,  and  the  one  followed,  as  far  as  possible, 
by  all  growers.  However,  with  new  or  rare  varieties,  where  it  is  not  so 
much  cost  as  quantity,  division  is  entirely  inadequate  to  the  occasion,  as 
it  would  take  several  years  to  secure  even  a  limited  stock.  Accordingly, 
new  and  rare  varieties  are  propagated  from  cuttings  and  offered  as  plants,  or 
are  grown  another  year  and  offered  as  field,  or  pot  roots,  at  a  price  within 
the  reach  of  all.  It  will  thus  be  seen  that  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  art 
of  propagation  is  very  useful,  but  that  evil  will  always  result  from  its  being 
carried  too  far. 

In  buying  Dahlias  it  is  always  wise  to  give  strong  field  roots  the  prefer- 
ence, as  they  give  the  best  results  the  first  year  ;  but,  as  the  roots  are  easily 
kept  from  year  to  year,  the  main  object  is  to  get  the  best  varieties,  regardless 
of  the  form  in  which  they  are  offered . 


20  THE    DAHLIA. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

POSITION,    SOIL   AND    MANURE. 

NE  of  the  most  important  points  in  Dahlia  culture  is  to  select  a 
suitable  location ,  for  unless  they  are  planted  in  an  open  situa- 
tion, where  they  can  get  plenty  of  sun  and  air,  the  best  results 
cannot  be  obtained.  True,  they  will  grow  and  give  some 
blooms  in  almost  any  position,  even  where  shaded  by  trees 
and  buildings  ;  but,  as  no  plant  is  perfectly  satisfactory  ex- 
cept at  its  best,  it  is  always  advisable  to  give  such  position 
and  conditions  as  will  conduce  to  its  highest  state  of  development. 

The  bes^  position  for  Dahlias  is  in  the  garden  where,  with  but  little  at- 
tention, the)7  will  grow  luxuriantly  and  bloom  profusely  during  the  entire 
summer  and  autumn.  The  house  can  thus  be  filled  with  lovely  flowers  at  a 
time  when,  owing  to  the  scarcity  of  other  flowers,  they  are  most  appreciated. 
Beside  the  garden,  Dahlias  may  be  planted  along  fences  ;  singly  or  in  groups 
on  the  lawn,  and  in  beds  of  any  size  or  form  desired,  with  most  pleasing 
results.  A  large  group  or  bank  of  the  profuse  blooming  varieties,  planted 
in  a  corner  or  on  one  side  of  the  grounds  in  such  manner  that  each  succeed- 
ing row  is  higher  than  the  one  before  it,  is  most  beautiful  and  effective. 

Another  favorite  position  is  along  an  exposed  walk  or  drive,  where 
they  ma}T  be  planted  on  either  side  and  make  a  very  attractive  border.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  the  Dahlia  requires  plenty  of  sunlight,  air  and 
water,  and  it  will  not  grow  vigorously  or  bloom  profusely  where  these  ele- 
ments cannot  be  obtained. 

If  planted  in  the  shade  of  buildings,  they  will  make  a  tall  but  soft  growth 
of  plant  and  will  bloom  but  sparingly  ;  while  in  the  shade  of  trees  their 
position  is  even  worse,  as  they  are  not  only  robbed  of  sunshine,  by  the 
branches  above,  but  of  moisture  by  the  roots  beneath.  Therefore  plant  your 
Dahlias  where  nothing  will  obstruct  the  sunlight  and  the  free  circulation  of 
air  above,  or  rob  them  of  moisture  from  beneath,  and  you  have  taken 
the  most  important  steps  toward  their  successful  cultivation. 

The  soil  is  not  so  important,  except  in  its  ability  to  hold  moisture  during 
severe  drouths.  Any  rich  soil  that  will  grow  corn  will  also  grow  Dahlias 
to  perfection,  if  all  other  conditions  are  favorable.  They  will  grow  equally 
well  in  clear  sand,  clay  or  gravel,  if  the  proper  kinds  and  quantities  of  plant 
food  is  added  and  thoroughly  worked  in.  While  Dahlias  will  adapt  them- 


THE    DAHLIA.  21 

selves  to  any  soil,  it  may  be  well  to  state,  however,  that  a  good  sandy  loam 
is  especially  adapted  to  their  culture,  owing  to  its  drouth  resisting  qualities. 
Yet  this  is  not  of  great  importance  as  everything  depends  on  the  treatment 
given  and  the  fertility,  rather  than  the  quality,  of  the  soil. 

Fertility  goes  hand  and  hand  with  position  and  is  of  great  importance  ; 
for,  no  matter  where  you  plant  your  Dahlias  or  how  good  your  treatment, 
they  will  not  grow  luxuriantly  or  bloom  freely  unless  there  is  an  abundance 
of  available  plant  food  in  the  soil.  The  plants  being  strong,  robust  growers 
are  not  particular  as  to  what  particular  form  or  kind  of  fertilizer  is  given, 
provided  it  contains  the  necessary  elements  required  for  their  development. 
Any  kind  of  well  rotted  manure  that  is  most  convenient  will  give  equally 
good  results,  if  sufficient  quantity  is  well  worked  into  the  soil. 

It  is  always  best  to  broadcast  the  manure  and  plow  or  spade  it  into  the 
soil,  while  it  is  absolutely  necessary  if  it  is  not  well  decomposed.  On  heavy, 
clay  or  gravelly  soils,  loose,  coarse  manure  may  be  used  (broadcasted  and 
plowed  or  spaded  in  of  course)  with  excellent  results,  as  it  lightens  the  soil 
and  allows  a  freer  root  growth,  but  on  light  or  sandy  soils  the  manure  should 
always  be  fine  and  well  rotted. 

Commercial  fertilizers  are  also  largely  used,  and  are  most  valuable  when 
used  in  connection  with  manure.  Any  good  fertilizer,  rich  in  ammonia  and 
phosphoric  acid  with  a  liberal  amount  of  potash,  will  answer  at  the  time  of 
planting,  but  as  a  top  dressing  later,  I  have  found  nothing  that  would  equal 
pure  bone  meal  and  nitrate  of  soda,  in  proportion — four  parts  bone  and  one 
part  soda. 


22  THE    DAHLIA. 


CHAPTER  V. 

GARDEN   CULTIVATION. 

HE  garden  is  the  place  pre-eminently  adapted  to  Dahlia  culture. 
It  is  here  that  they  may  be  grown,  in  all  their  loveliness,  with 
so  little  care  and  expense  that  no  lover  of  flowers  can  afford  to 
be  without  them.  They  grow  so  luxuriantly  and  bloom  so 
profusely  that  even  a  few  plants,  properly  cared  for,  will  furnish 
a  fresh  bouquet  almost  daily  from  June  until  frost,  while  a  col- 
lection of  the  finer  varieties  are  ever  a  source  of  great  pleasure. 
Dahlias  are  offered  in  five  forms  : — Immense  clumps,  strong  field  roots, 
pot  roots,  green  plants  and  seeds  (see  next  page  for  comparative  sizes). 
The  clumps  give  the  best  results  the  first  year,  but  are  entirely  too  large 
and  unwieldy  for  anything  but  a  local  trade.  The  strong  field  roots  are  the 
most  valuable,  as  they  can  be  easily  and  safely  handled,  and  always  give 
satisfactory  results.  Pot  roots  are  largely  used  in  the  mailing  trade,  and, 
while  they  will  not  give  as  good  results  the  first  year,  are  valuable  for  ship- 
ping long  distances  where  larger  roots  could  not  be  profitably  used,  owing 
to  heavy  transportation  charges. 

Green  plants  are  mainly  used  to  make  up  any  deficiency  in  the  field 
crops,  owing  to  unfavorable  seasons,  or  an  unusual  demand  for  certain 
varieties.  Many  firms,  who  offer  field  roots  only,  send  out  strong  green 
plants,  rather  than  disappoint  their  customers  by  returning  their  money, 
after  the  supply  of  roots  is  exhausted.  This  I  consider  a  very  good  plan,  as 
the  plants  will  bloom  equally  as  well  if  they  receive  careful  attention,  and 
will  make  good  roots  for  the  following  year. 

There  is  a  diversity  of  opinion  as  to  the  proper  time  to  plant  Dahlias, 
but  I  have  always  found  it  best  to  plant  early  and  would  advise  planting 
large,  strong  roots  about  two  weeks  before  danger  of  frost  is  over.  This 
would  be,  in  the  vicinity  of  Philadelphia,  about  April  i5th  ;  and  as  it  takes 
from  two  to  three  weeks  for  them  to  get  up  through  the  ground  there  will  be 
no  danger,  while  your  plants  will  bloom  that  much  earlier.  It  is  best,  how- 
ever, not  to  plant  small  roots  or  green  plants  until  danger  of  frost  is  over — in 
the  vicinity  of  Philadelphia,  about  the  ist  to  the  zothof  May,  according  to  the 
season.  Therefore,  a  good  rule  to  follow  everywhere  would  be  to  plant  small 
roots  and  green  plants  as  soon  as  danger  of  frost  is  over  and  large  roots  about 
two  weeks  earlier. 


Fig.  3.     Strong  Field  Roots 


Fig.  4.     Stem  of  Plant  under  New  Single 
Stem  Branching  System. 


Fig.  5.     Pot  Roots. 


COMPARATIVE  SIZES. 


24  THE    DAHLIA. 

The  first  requisite  of  successful  garden  cultivation  is  to  thoroughly  stir 
the  soil  to  considerable  depth,  and  enrich  it,  if  it  is  not  already  so,  by  broad- 
casting and  plowing  or  spading  in  a  good  coat  of  well  rotted  manure.  Too 
much  stress  cannot  be  placed  upon  the  thorough  preparation  of  the  soil,  as 
it  not  only  allows  the  roots  to  go  down  deep  after  the  moisture  more  readily 
during  dry  weather,  but  affords  good  drainage  during  excessive  rains. 
Having  prepared  the  soil  as  above,  mark  out  rows  four  feet  apart  and  six  to 
eight  inches  deep,  and  plant  the  roots  from  eighteen  inches  to  three  feet  apart 
in  the  row,  according  as  you  wish  a  solid  row  or  specimen  plants.  If  per- 
fectly symmetrical  specimen  plants  are  wanted,  they  should  be  planted,  at  least 
four  feet  apart  each  way,  which  allows  plenty  of  room  for  the  circulation  of 
air  between  the  plants  and  a  larger  surface  from  which  they  can  draw 
nourishment  and  moisture. 

Before  covering  the  roots,  spread  a  small  shovelful  of  well  rotted  manure 
in  each  space  between  the  roots,  and  a  small  handful  of  fertilizer  to  two 
spaces,  taking  care  that  the  manure  and  fertilizer  does  not  come  in  contact 
with  the  roots.  This  done,  cover  the  rows  with  plow,  hoe  or  any  other  con- 
venient method.  As  soon  as  the  shoots  appear,  remove  all  but  the  strongest 
one  and  pinch  that  one  off,  thus  forcing  it  to  branch  at  the  surface  of  the 
ground.  By  this  method  the  entire  strength  of  the  root  and  the  soil  is  con- 
centrated on  the  one  shoot,  causing  it  to  grow  vigorously  ;  while  the  pinching 
or  cutting  back  of  the  shoot  not  only  causes  it  to  branch  at  the  surface  and 
thus  brace  it  against  all  storms  without  staking,  but  also  removes  all  of  those 
first  imperfect,  short- stemmed  flowers  that  appear  on  some  varieties.  (See 
cut  page  23  showing  how  the  plants  branch,  also  illustration  of  field  of 
Nymphaea  Dahlias,  page  26,  grown  under  this  system  without  staking.) 

I  am,  I  think,  the  first  to  use  and  advocate  this  method  of  cultivation, 
and,  by  its  practice,  have  grown  many  thousands  of  Dahlia  blooms,  on  stems 
from  eighteen  inches  to  two  feet  long  ;  selling  them  to  florists,  by  the  thou- 
sands, for  four  times  the  ruling  price  of  carnations,  and.  higher  than  that 
asked  for  roses. 

During  its  early  stage  of  development,  the  Dahlia  grows  very  rapidly, 
and  should  be  kept  thoroughly  cultivated  ;  that  is,  the  rows  should  be  kept 
scrupulously  clean  by  frequent  hoeings,  and  the  space  between  the  rows  fre- 
quently and  deeply  stirred.  Among  the  many  benefits  thus  derived  is  to 
make  the  plant  root  deeply,  but  it  must  be  remembered  thai  while  deep  cul- 
tivation is  beneficial  during  its  early  stage  of  development,  it  is  almost  fatal 
to  the  production  of  flowers  if  practiced  after  the  plants  come  into  bloom. 
Therefore,  when  your  plants  commence  to  bloom,  cease  deep  cultivation  and 
stir  the  soil  to  the  depth  of  one  to  two  inches  only,  but  stir  it  often,  and  never 
allow  the  surface  to  become  hard  and  baked.  This  will  not  only  prevent  exces- 
sive evaporation  of  moisture  and  keep  the  under  soil  cool  and  moist,  but  will 
also  prevent  the  destruction  of  immense  quantities  of  feeding  roots. 


THE    DAHLIA.  25 

The  nearer  the  directions  for  preparing  the  soil  and  planting  the  roots 
are  followed,  the  longer  the  plants  will  continue  to  grow  and  bloom  freely, 
for  the  roots  push  out  in  every  direction  in  search  of  nourishment  and 
moisture,  thus  forming  a  complete  network  of  strong,  vigorous  feeding  roots. 
This  immense  system  of  roots  not  only  more  than  supply  the  needs  of  the 
plant,  but  enables  it  to  withstand  extreme  droughts  owing  to  the  large 
amount  of  moisture  they  hold  in  reserve. 

As  long  as  the  roots  supply  more  nourishment  than  is  needed  to  support 
the  plant,  both  the  plant  and  the  flowers  increase  in  size  and  beauty  ;  but  as 
the  supply  gradually  becomes  exhausted,  the  plants  cease  growing  and  the 
flowers  become  much  smaller.  This  condition  is  what  is  generally  called 
"  bloomed  out,"  but  what  is  really  "  starved  out,"  and  can  easily  be  pre- 
vented if  the  proper  attention  is  given  to  the  plants.  As  soon  as  the  flowers 
commence  to  grow  smaller,  broadcast  around  each  plant  a  small  handful  of 
pnre  bone  meal  and  nitrate  of  soda,  in  proportion  four  parts  bone  to  one  part 
soda,  and  carefully  work  it  into  the  soil. 

This  will  be  carried  down  where  the  roots  can  reach  it  by  the  first  rain, 
and  will  restore  full  vigor  to  the  plants  and  size  to  the  flowers.  In  the 
absence  of  above  mixture,  any  good  fertilizer  rich  in  ammonia  and  phos- 
phoric acid  will  give  excellent  results.  This  top  dressing,  and  a  thorough 
stirring  of  the  soil  from  time  to  time  as  already  advised,  will  insure  an 
abundance  of  beautiful  flowers  until  the  plants  are  killed  down  by  severe  frosts. 

As  soon  as  the  plants  are  killed  by  frost,  lift  the  roots  and,  after  remov- 
ing all  the  soil  from  them  possible,  allow  them  to  dry  in  the  air  for  a  few 
hours,  when  they  should  be  stored  in  the  cellar  or  some  other  cool  place 
secure  from  frost.  If  your  cellar  is  very  dry  or  is  not  frost  proof,  put  the 
roots  in  a  barrel  or  box  and  cover  completely  with  dry  sand  or  some  other 
suitable  and  convenient  material,  such  as  saw  dust  or  tan  bark,  to  prevent 
freezing  or  loss  of  vitality  by  drying  and  shriveling.  Roots  handled  in  this 
way  will  keep  safely  over  winter  and  will  be  in  excellent  condition  for  plant- 
ing the  following  spring. 

Staking. — It  has  always  been  thought  necessary  to  tie  Dahlias  up  to 
stakes  to  prevent  them  from  being  blown  down  by  heavy  winds,  but  how 
much  more  beautiful  is  a  field  or  collection  of  Dahlias  in  full  bloom  without 
stakes.  The  system  of  staking  is  not  only  unsightly  during  the  early  stage 
of  their  growth,  but  is  attended  with  considerable  labor  and  expense. 
Staking,  however,  is  unnecessary  if  the  directions  already  given  on  page  24 
are  followed,  as  the  plants  will  branch  out  at  the  surface  of  the  ground  and 
the  stems  will  become  so  heavy  as  to  resist  the  strongest  winds.  It  may  not 
be  out  of  place  to  add  that  this  is  the  best  method  for  growing  Dahlias,  as 
the  plants  are  one-third  dwarfer,  compact  and  regular  in  form,  and  produce 
much  finer  flowers  on  long  stems  well  supplied  with  buds  and  foliage. 


FIELD    OF    NYMPH^EA    DAHLIAS. 

Planted  May  3oth.     Photographed  Sept.  28th,  1895,  after  nine  weeks  con- 
tinuous drouth.     Single  stem  branching  system. 


THE   DAHUA.  27 

Watering. — This  is  a  debatable  subject,  and  although  a  judicious  appli- 
cation of  water  during  a  severe  dry  spell  is  very  beneficial,  yet  in  nine  cases 
out  of  every  ten  where  water  is  applied  a  thorough  stirring  of  the  surface 
soil  would  give  better  results.  Not  that  I  am  opposed  to  watering  where  it 
can  be  done  thoroughly  and  conveniently,  but  it  is  much  better  and  easier  to 
save  the  moisture  already  in  the  soil,  than  it  is  to  put  moisture  in  the  soil 
artificially  after  nature's  supply  has  been  wasted.  The  soil  acts  as  capillary 
tubes,  thus  drawing  the  moisture  to  the  surface  where,  if  unchecked,  it  is 
rapidly  evaporated.  If  the  surface  is  stirred  this  waste  is  prevented,  as  the 
dry  loose  soil  completely  seals  those  small  tubes,  and  the  moisture  is  held  in 
reserve  beneath  until  it  is  required  and  removed  by  the  plant.  It  is  really 
astonishing  how  long  Dahlias  will  withstand  the  drought  if  they  are  not 
planted  too  closety  and  the  soil  is  properly  stirred. 

The  summer  and  autumn  of  1895  was  one  of  the  dryest  on  record  ; 
there  being  after  July  4th  but  two  showers — July  2oth  and  28th  respectively 
—until  October,  and  during  this  period  there  was  at  no  time  sufficient  rain- 
fall to  lay  the  dust.  Despite  this  extreme  drouth,  Dahlias  given  the  treat- 
ment herein  described  bloomed  freely  throughout,  as  may  be  seen  from  the 
illustrations  contained  in  this  book.  These  illustrations  were  reproduced 
from  photographs  taken  right  out  in  a  ten  acre  field,  September  28th  1895, 
after  nine  weeks  of  continuous  drouth.  This  field  of  Dahlias  was  grown 
under  the  new  system,  as  described  in  this  chapter,  without  staking  or 
watering,  and  was  pronounced  by  many  to  be  a  signal  triumph  of  science 
and  skill  over  adverse  conditions. 

This  instance  proves  how  easily  Dahlias  may  be  grown,  without  the 
labor  and  expense  of  staking  and  watering,  during  the  most  trying  season 
ever  experienced.  Not  but  what  watering,  at  least,  would  have  been  bene- 
ficial ;  but  it  would  have  been  worse  than  folly  to  have  dreamed  of  watering 
a  ten  acre  field  in  New  Jersey,  with  nothing  but  a  windmill  to  pump  the 
water  and  not  enough  wind  to  run  it. 

Many  people  believe  Dahlias  should  be  watered  every  evening,  and  as  soon 
as  they  are  up  commence  watering  them  daily  unless  it  rains.  This  practice 
is  very  injurious  as  it  causes  a  rapid,  but  soft,  growth  ;  and,  as  the  soil  is 
seldom  stirred,  the  roots  become  so  enfeebled  for  want  of  air  that  they  are 
unable  to  supply  the  needs  of  the  plant ;  as  a  consequence,  but  few  buds  are 
formed  and  they  generally  blast  before  developing  into  flowers. 

In  other  cases,  as  the  enthusiasm  wears  off,  watering  is  stopped,  probably, 
right  at  the  beginning  of  a  severe  drouth,  and  the  weak,  pampered  plants 
are  fortunate  to  survive,  much  less  bloom. 

If  large,  strong  roots  are  planted  and  the  soil  is  kept  thoroughly  stirred, 
there  will  be  little  need  of  artificial  watering  until  after  the  plants  come  out 
in  full  bloom.  However,  if  it  should  become  hot  and  dry  after  }rour  Dahlias 


28  THE   DAHLIA. 

come  into  bloom,  it  would,  if  convenient,  be  very  beneficial  to  give  them  a 
thorough  watering  once  each  week  or  ten  days  during  the  continuance  of  the 
drouth.  But  care  must  be  taken  to  stir  the  soil  to  the  depth  of  one  to  two 
inches  the  next  day,  carefully  pulverizing  it  later,  in  order  to  seal  those  natural 
capillary  tubes  by  which  the  moisture  is  evaporated. 

The  best  rule  to  follow  is  not  to  allow  your  plants  to  suffer  from  want 
of  moisture  ;  nor  to  water  them  except  they  need  it ;  but  to  water  them 
thoroughly  when  you  do  water  them,  and  not  to  allow  excessive  evaporation 
for  want  of  frequent  stirring  of  the  soil . 


THE    DAHLIA. 


CHAPTER    VI. 


NEW    VARIETIES. 

HE  popularity  of  a  plant  is  always  increased  by  the  produc- 
tion of  new  varieties.  Whether  this  is,  altogether,  because 
we  tire  of  existing  kinds,  or  because  the  production  of  dis- 
tinct forms  and  types  disproves  the  old  adage  of  there  being 
"  nothing  new  under  the  sun,"  each  reader  must  decide  for 
themselves.  The  scientist  would  demonstrate  that  nothing 
new  had  been  created — that  it  was  only  new  combinations 
of  what  existed  before  ;  but  in  this  very  demonstration,  however,  he  would 
admit  that  which  he  was  trying  to  disprove  ;  it  is  these  new7  and  marvelously 
beautiful  combinations  that  excite  the  admiration  of  the  flower-loving  world. 
No  other  flower  has  been  so  improved  by  the  production  of  new  varieties  as 
the  Dahlia,  and,  strange  to  say,  without  impairing  its  vigor  of  growth. 

Although  many  new  varieties  are  produced  by  sports  from  existing 
kinds,  the  most  important  method,  and  only  one  by  which  real  progress  is 
made,  is  by  planting  selected  seeds.  To  secure  the  best  results,  seed  should 
be  saved  from  dwarf,  very  double  varieties  only,  as  they  not  only  bloom 
earlier  but  give  a  greater  percentage  of  good  flowers.  Crossing  varieties 
also  offers  great  possibilities  in  the  production  of  superior  sorts,  and  many 
specialists  secure  the  exact  kinds  they  wish  by  the  judicious  selection  of 
parent  plants. 

Artificial  crossing  of  varieties  is  very  easily  accomplished  if  the  proper 
care  is  taken,  although  growers  have,  in  the  past,  been  content  to  depend 
chiefly  on  bees  and  other  insects  for  all  crossing,  and  simply  gathered  seed 
from  the  finest  flowers.  All  that  is  necessary  is  to  select  the  varieties  it  is 
desired  to  cross,  and  apply  the  pollen  of  one  to  the  pistil  of  the  other  with  a 
fine  camel' s-hair  brush.  It  will  take  several  operations  on  each  flower-head, 
as  each  head  is  composed  of  numerous  individual  flowers  which  open  slowly, 
commencing  at  the  base  of  the  rays  or  petals.  Care  must  be  taken  to  remove 
the  stamen  from  each  flower  of  the  head,  before  it  can  impregnate  the  pistil 
with  its  own  pollen,  also  to  cover  the  flowers  operated  on  writh  wire  screens, 
to  keep  off  bees  and  other  insects. 

The  seed  can  be  sown  thinly  in  the  greenhouse,  in  a  box  in  the  house, 
or  in  a  mild  hot-bed  early  in  April,  and  transplanted  into  the  open  ground 


New  Show  Dahlia.— Miss  May  Lomas. 


THE  DA.HLIA.  3! 

as  soon  as  danger  of  frost  is  over.  They  require  the  same  treatment  as  other 
Dahlias,  except  that  they  must  be  watered  until  thoroughly  established,  and 
will  bloom  freely  the  first  season. 

Growing  new  varieties  from  seed  is  most  fascinating  to  amateurs,  owing 
to  the  uncertainty  and  expectancy  ;  for  beside  the  possibility  of  raising  a 
finer  variety  than  was  ever  before  produced,  they  have  the  pleasure  of  watch- 
ing each  plant  as  it  first  unfolds  its  hidden  secret. 

Sports  have  the  same  form  and  other  characteristics  of  the  variety  from 
which  they  spring,  and  are  simply  a  reproduction  of  the  old  variety  in  a  dif- 
ferent color  or  colors.  In  some  instances  they  have  simply  a  change  in  the 
ground  color,  as  is  seen  in  the  "Fawcett"  sports,  whilein  others  there  is 
a  complete  change  of  colors.  They  are  seldom  an  improvement  on  the  old 
variety,  and  are  most  frequent  among  the  Fancy  sections.  Some  varieties 
sport  permanently,  while  others  sport  back  and  forth  and  cannot  be  depended 
on  unless  selected  very  carefully.  An  example  of  the  latter  class  can  be 
found  in  the  Fancy  Dahlia  "  Dandy,"  which  is  a  red  pink,  striped  and  heavily 
penciled,  reverse  black,  and  is  so  apt  to  sport  that,  unless  care  is  exercised,  nine- 
tenths  of  the  flowers  will  be  solid  black.  There  is  also  a  pink  sport  of  this 
variety,  but  if  care  is  taken  to  throw  out  all  but  the  striped  type  for  a  few 
years,  but  little  trouble  will  be  experienced  in  keeping  it  true. 

Some  of  the  new  varieties  recently  introduced  are  marvels  of  entrancing 
loveliness,  being  of  largest  size,  most  beautiful  form,  and  of  exquisite  finish. 
While  there  has  not  been  a  blue  variety  produced  as  yet,  many  believe  it  is 
only  a  question  of  a  little  time,  for  we  already  have  several  purples  contain- 
ing blue  shades  ;  all  that  is  needed  is  to  develop  those  shades,  and  we  have 
the  greatest  floral  novelty  of  the  century. 

A  great  deal  has  been  said  regarding  the  value  of  new  varieties  of  flowers, 
both  pro  and  con  ;  but  it  is  now  generally  conceded  that  new  varieties  of 
merit  are,  not  only  beneficial  to  floriculture,  but  are  absolutely  necessary  to 
keep  up  a  popular  interest,  in  any  class  of  plants.  The  past  history  of  the 
Dahlia  is  sufficient  proof  of  this  ;  but,  while  new  varieties  are  essential,  im- 
provement is  of  still  greater  importance,  and  no  variety  should  be  introduced 
unless  it  has  more  good  points  than  any  other  variety  of  a  similar  color  and 
type. 


THE    DAHLIA. 


CHAPTER   VII. 

DAHLIAS    FOR   SPECIAL   PURPOSES. 

HERE  are  now  varieties  of  almost  every  conceivable  color,  form 
and  habit  ;  and,  where  the  finer  varieties  are  known,  they 
are  largely  used  and  highly  prized,  for  all  floral  purposes. 
There  are  many  varieties  that  are  similar  in  color,  and  from 
a  general  description  would  be  called  identical  ;  yet,  owing  to 
form  and  habit,  they  are  entirely  distinct,  and  each  are  pre- 
eminently adapted  to  some  special  purpose.  It  is,  therefore, 
of  the  greatest  importance  that  the  various  characteristics  of  each  variety 
should  be  given  in  the  descriptions,  that  the  monotnoy  and  general  similarity 
of  the  descriptive  list  can  be  avoided,  and  thus  assist  the  buyer  in  selecting 
varieties  for  any  special  purpose.  In  the  past,  Dahlias  were  grown  chiefly  as 
garden  plants,  where  color  was  of  importance,  and  little  attention  was  given 
to  any  particular  shade  or  tint  of  that  color  ;  but  with  the  knowledge  of  the 
adaptability  of  the  plant  to  conditions,  and  its  value  for  so  many  special  pur- 
poses, varieties  to  supply  these  needs  were  produced.  Therefore,  the  time 
for  buying  and  growing  Dahlias  under  color  is  past,  and  both  the  amateur 
and  the  grower  will  select  certain  named  varieties  for  a  certain  purpose. 

Cut  Flowers. — There  is  no  flower  more  useful  for  cut  flower  purposes 
than  the  Dahlia,  coming,  as  they  do,  at  a  season  when  there  is  a  dearth  of 
other  good  flowers.  Varieties  having  large  flowers  of  perfect  form,  good 
texture  and  finish,  pleasing  and  attraclive  colors,  and  borne  on  long  stems 
well  supplied  with  buds  and  foliage,  are  the  most  useful.  The  Decorative 
Cactus  varieties  are  the  most  valuable  for  this  purpose  and  the  following  are 
among  the  very  best  :  Nymphcea,  Clifford  W.  Bruton,  Harry  Freeman, 
Lyndhurst,  Delicata,  Evadne,  Black  Prince,  Mrs.  Hawkins,  Oban,  Princess 
Harry,  Marchioness  of  Bute  and  Sunlight. 

Many  of  the  Show  and  Fancy  varieties  are  also  largely  used  for  vases 
and  large  decorations,  among  the  best  being  Miss  May  Lyomas,  Miss  Flor- 
ence Shearer,  Mrs.  Gladstone,  Pluton,  Souv.  de  Mad.  Moreau,  Purity,  Pene- 
lope, Lucy  Fawcett,  Crimson  Giant,  Mrs.  Langtry,  Grand  Duke  Alexis, 
Ruby  Queen,  Frank  Smith,  and  Arabella. 

The  Pompon  or  Bouquet  Dahlias  are  great  favorites,  especially  for  bou- 
quets, and  decorations  where  small  flowers  and  brilliant  colors  are  wanted. 
The  best  for  cut  flowers  are  :  Snowclad,  Loveliness,  Fairy  Queen,  Beauty  In- 


New  Bedding  Dahlia. — Psyche. 

Planted  June  I2th.     Photographed  Sept.  28th,  1895,  after  nine  weeks  continuous 
drouth.     Single  stem  branching  system. 


34  THE  DAHLIA. 

constant,  Catherine,  La  Petite  Jean,  Aillet's  Imperial,  Sprig,  Crimson  Beauty, 
Little  Prince,  Daybreak  and  Fashion. 

All  of  the  single  varieties  are  especially  adapted  for  cutting,  and  many 
of  the  Dwarf  varieties  are  used  by  florists  for  design  work  ;  of  the  latter 
Alba  Imbricata,  Cameliaflora  and  Mary  Bruant  are  the  most  important. 

Massing  and  Banking. — Nothing  can  be  lovelier  or  grander  than  a  mass 
or  bank  of  bright  colored  Dahlias  tastefully  planted  so  as  to  display  the 
beautiful  colors  to  advantage.  The  Show,  Dwarf  and  Single  varieties  are 
especially  valuable  for  this  purpose,  as  are  also  a  few  of  the  Decorative  Cac- 
tus, Fancy  and  Pompon.  They  must  be  profuse  bloomers,  of  sturdy  growth 
and  of  bright  and  intense  colors.  Of  the  Decorative  Cactus  varieties,  Nym- 
phcea,  Wm.  Agnew,  Lyndhurst,  Clifford  W.  Bruton,  Beauty  of  Brentwood 
and  Henry  Patrick  are  among  the  best.  Of  the  Show  and  Fancy  sections  the 
following  are  unsurpassed  :  Lucy  Fawcett,  A.  D.  Livoni,  Pluton,  Arabella, 
Miss  Florence  Shearer,  Princess  Bonnie,  Wacht  Am  Rhine,  Marg.  Bruant, 
Grand  Duke  Alexis,  Crimson  Giant,  Red  Head,  Colibre,  Bird  of  Passage, 
Hercules,  Marguerite.  All  of  the  free  flowering  Dwarf,  Tom  Thumb  and 
Single  varieties  are  valuable  for  this  purpose  ;  also,  such  Pompon  sorts  as 
Klein  Domatia,  Snowclad,  Fairy  Tales,  Catherine,  Vivid,  Loveliness,  Dandy 
and  Virginale. 

Bedding. — Gardeners  are  now  beginning  to  realize  the  great  possibilities 
of  the  Dahlia  as  a  bedding  plant.  For  this  purpose  they  must  be  of  strong, 
sturdy,  branching  growth,  and  profuse  bloomers,  while  the  flowers  must  be 
of  good  substance,  rich  and  brilliant  colors,  and  be  able  to  withstand  the 
hot  summer  sun  without  fading.  The  height  of  the  plant  will  depend  on  the 
kind  of  bedding  ;  tall  and  semi-dwarf  varieties  for  large  beds,  and  dwarf  sorts 
for  small  beds  or  for  low7  bedding  purposes.  Some  very  attractive  beds  have 
been  grown  by  planting  tall  varieties  in  the  center,  around  which  were  planted 
rows  of  proportionately  dwarfer  varieties.  These  rows  may  be  of  dwarfer 
varieties  of  the  same  color,  or  may  be  of  different  colors  as  desired,  there 
being  no  limit  to  the  possible  arrangements  or  combinations,  owing  to  the 
numerous  good  varieties  at  command. 

Spedmen  Plants. — This  is  one  of  the  most  pleasing  and  valuable  forms 
in  which  the  Dahlia  is  grown,  and,  perhaps,  the  most  popular.  Any  of  the 
free  blooming  varieties  will  produce  fine  specimen  plants,  if  large  roots  are 
planted,  but  one  shoot  allowed  to  grow,  and  that  pinched  off  and  forced  to 
branch  at  the  surface  of  the  ground  ;  though  on  small  grounds  the  dwarf  or 
bedding  varieties  are  generally  grown.  By  selecting  different  varieties  they 
may  be  grown  to  all  sizes  and  well-grown  specimens  of  some  of  the  newer 
varieties  is  an  entrancingly  lovely  sight,  and  one  long  to  be  remembered. 

Borders  and  Hedges  . — Along  open  and  exposed  walks  and  driveways 
Dahlias  are  sometimes  planted  with  excellent  results.  They  may  all  be  of  one 


THE   DAHLIA.  35 

color,  or  of  different  colored  varieties  of  same  height  and  habit,  according  to 
the  taste  of  the  grower.  Another  useful  purpose  is  to  grow  them  in  hedge 
form  around  the  garden,  or  anywhere  a  hedge  is  desired,  and  it  is  impossible 
to  imagine  anything  lovelier.  Just  think  of  a  garden  enclosed  on  every  side 
by  a  hedge  four  feet  high,  two  and  a  half  feet  wide  and  completely  enveloped 
with  beautiful  flowers  of  the  loveliest  shades,  from  the  softest  to  the  richest. 
Nor  is  this  picture  overdrawn.  It  is  impossible  to  convey  with  the  pen  the 
great  beauty  of  the  scene  just  described,  and  it  is  the  wish  of  the  writer  that 
every  reader  of  this  little  work  could  have  beheld  this  scene,  just  as  the  writer 
did  one  beautiful  September  morning  about  three  years  ago. 

Dahlias  are  used  for  many  other  purposes,  and  are  grown  in  many  other 
forms  with  most  pleasing  effect.  Some  train  the  tall  varieties  on  trellises  in 
espalier  form  ;  many  train  them  to  tall  supports,  while  a  few  spread  them  out 
on  the  ground,  and  peg  them  fast,  to  give  them  the  appearance  of  a  bed  of 
large  flowering  pigmies.  This  latter  form  is  very  pleasing,  as  a  plant  of 
some  varieties  will  bloom  profusely,  and  seem  to  thrive  unusually  well,  while 
giving  the  impression  of  being  a  number  of  sturdy  plants  growing  but  eight 
to  ten  inches  high.  The  Fancy  Dahlia,  Uncertainty,  is  especially  adapted  to 
this  purpose.  It  is  a  beautiful,  variegated  variety,  of  a  sprawling  habit,  and 
will  produce  more  'flowers  under  this  system  than  any  other. 


THK    DAHLIA 


CHAPTER    VI  II. 


DAHLIA  EXHIBITIONS. 

O  flower  is  better  adapted  for  exhibition  purposes  than  the 
Dahlia,  which  fact  is  fully  appreciated  in  England  where 
Dahlia  shows  not  only  exceed  the  chrysanthemum 
shows  in  number,  but  in  surpassing  beauty  and  popu- 
larity. In  England,  France,  and  Germany,  but  es- 
pecially in  England,  Dahlias  are  universally  grown  by 
all  classes,  and  almost  every  town  and  hamlet  as  well 
as  the  large  cities,  have  a  Dahlia  show  of  their  own.  There,  in  almost  every 
garden,  can  be  found  the  most  beautiful  varieties,  grown  especially  for  the  local 
Dahlia  exhibition,  where  the  titled  gentleman  and  his  humblest  laborer  com- 
pete on  equal  terms  for  the  same  prizes.  Nor  does  the  humbler  man  compete 
in  vain,  for,  in  many  cases,  he  wins  the  prize  for  which  he  has  striven  so 
hard.  As  the  Dahlia  requires  no  special  conditions  or  greenhouses,  it  is 
entirely  a  matter  of  science  and  skill,  and  there  is  everywhere  such  a  strong, 
yet  friendly,  competition,  as  to  arouse  the  greatest  popular  interest  and 
enthusiasm. 

How  different  in  America.  Here  we  have  no  shows  during  the  summer 
and  early  autumn  months  ;  but,  early  in  November,  there  comes  such  a  deluge 
of  Chrysanthemum  shows  as  to  almost  bewilder  us.  Our  florists  and  horti- 
culturists seem  to  think  the  Chrysanthemum  the  only  flower  worthy  of  an 
exhibition  ;  and,  then  complain  because  the  masses  do  not  agree  with  them. 
The  November  Chrysanthemum  shows  are  losing  in  popularity,  simply  because 
the  masses  are  not  interested  in  a  flower  they  cannot  grow  ;  they  admire  them, 
but,  lacking  interest,  do  not  care  to  see  about  the  same  thing  from  year  to 
year. 

Somehow  our  leading  horticulturists  do  not  realize  this,  for  the}r  are 
now  discussing  this  monotony  of,  and  lack  of  interest  in,  the  flower  shows. 
They  attribute  it  to  the  system  as  may  be  seen  from  the  following  quotation  : 
' '  The  next  question  is,  how  to  get  the  masses  to  lend  us  their  eyes  and  ears. 
The  present  system  seems  to  fall  short  somewhere,  and  is  pretty  near  a 
failure." 

For  summer  and  early  autumn  shows,  especially  in  small  cities,  towns, 
and  even  country  villages,  the  Dahlia  offers  great  possibilities,  as  it  requires 
no  special  condition  and  can  be  grown  to  perfection  in  every  garden,  with 


NEW  DECORATIVE  CACTUS  DAHLIA. 
Clifford  W.  Bruton. 


38  THE    DAHLIA. 

but  little  trouble  and  expense.  In  this  respect,  it  has  no  equal,  and  can  truly 
be  called  the  flower  for  the  masses,  as  its  superb  beauty  can  be  as  fully 
developed  in  the  workingman's  garden,  as  on  the  more  pretentious  grounds 
of  his  more  fortunate  neighbors. 

I  am  often  told  that  the  Dahlia  can  never  supplant  the  Chrysanthemum, 
and  that  the  Dahlia  shows  would  never  reach  the  popularity  of  the  Chrysan- 
themum shows.  As  to  the  first  no  one  would  wish  it,  nor  could  it  be,  as 
they  occupy  two  distinct  seasons,  and  one  follows  the  other  in  perfect  suc- 
cession. The  Dahlia  is  in  bloom  from  June  until  October,  while  the  finer 
Chrysanthemums  do  not  commence  to  bloom  until  the  last  of  October  and 
November  ;  as  they  thus  occupy  two  distinct  seasons,  it  is  useless  to  compare 
their  relative  qualities.  One  is  a  popular  garden  plant,  the  other,  to  be  fully 
developed,  belongs  to  the  greenhouse  ;  both  have  their  missions — neither  can 
be  spared. 

But  in  popularity,  the  Dahlia  shows  are  destined  to  surpass  every  other 
floral  exhibition  in  the  near  future,  as  they  require  no  special  conditions  ; 
no  greenhouses,  and  can  be  grown  in  every  garden,  thus  insuring  spirited 
competition,  without  which  the  popularity  of  a  show  is  sure  to  wane  as  the 
novelty  wears  off.  Nor  is  this  popularity  undeserved  ;  there  is  no  other 
flower  can  compare  with  them  in  range  of  colors  or  variegations,  while  the 
beautiful  lustre  of  the  colors  is  unsurpassed  in  nature. 

It  is  only  at  a  comprehensive  Dahlia  exhibition,  that  its  many  wonderful 
characteristics  can  be  seen.  Flowers  of  almost  every  conceiveable  form  and 
color,  all  of  superb  beauty,  are  tastefully  arranged  so  as  to  give  the  most 
pleasing  effects.  Some  plants  only  ten  inches  high  are  exhibited  in  full 
bloom,  while  near  by  is  a  giant  of  ten,  perhaps  fifteen  feet  high.  There  are 
so  many  classes  and  types  of  Dahlias,  that  a  person  seeing  a  complete  exhibit 
for  the  first  time  would  be  very  apt  to  ask  : — "  But  which  are  the  Dahlias?" 

Among  the  new  introductions  are  varieties  that  resemble  the  Chrysan- 
themum, the  Water  Lily,  the  Cactus,  and  the  Rose,  besides  improved  forms 
of  all  the  older  types  ;  and  it  is  not  unusual  to  see  specimen  blooms  six  to 
eight  inches  in  diameter,  on  stems  two  to  three  feet  long.  This  diversity  of 
types  and  forms,  precludes  the  possibility  of  that  monotony  so  common  at 
flower  shows.  The  rapidly  increasing  popularity  of  the  Dahlia  will  do  much 
towards  developing  floriculture,  especially  in  the  rural  districts,  and  will 
undoubtedly  encourage  the  formation  of  local  societies,  for  the  purpose  of 
holding  Summer  and  early  Autumn  flower  shows,  throughout  the  country. 


THE    DAHLIA. 


39 


CHAPTER    IX, 

CONCLUDING     REMARKS. 

HILE  a  thorough  stirring  of  the  soil  will  generally  give 
better  results  than  watering,  in  garden  cultivation  ;  yet, 
when  Dahlias  are  planted  near  trees,  hedges,  or  large 
shrubs,  they  will  require  liberal  watering,  especially  in 
dry  weather,  as  the  roots  of  the  trees  and  shrubs  will 
rob  them  of  nature's  supply  of  moisture.  Specimen 
plants  on  the  lawn  will  also  need  watering  during  dry 

weather,  and  will  well  repay  this  extra  attention  with  their  wealth  of  bloom. 
A  very  common,  yet  fatal,  error,  is  to  start  the  roots  in  a  hot-bed  and  allow 
the  shoots  to  become  a  foot  or  more  in  height  before  planting  on  the  lawn, 
as  a  plant  started  this  way  will  need  staking,  and  will  always  have  a  top- 
heavy  appearance.  A  perfectly  symmetrical  Dahlia  bush  is  one  of  the 
loveliest  plants  for  any  open  position  on  the  grounds,  and  can  be  grown  with 
half  the  attention  required  by  almost  any  other  flower. 

It  is  best  to  prepare  a  circular  bed,  at  least  two  feet  in  diameter,  and 
thoroughly  stir  the  soil  to  the  depth  of  eighteen  inches  to  two  feet.  Plant 
large  roots  six  to  eight  inches  deep,  and,  under  the  single  stem  branching 
system  (see  figure  4,  page  23,),  the  plant  can  be  grown  in  any  desired  form, 
by  securing  the  branches  to  small  supports. 

It  is  not  generally  known  that  Dahlias  make  beautiful  pot  plants,  and 
that,  by  feeding  them  properly  with  manure  water,  the}'  fully  equal  the 
Chrysanthemum  as  an  exhibition  plant.  In  growing  plants  in  pots  for  exhi- 
bition, give  them  plenty  of  air  and  sunshine,  though  as  cool  a  position  as 
possible,  and  never  allow  them  to  suffer  from  lack  of  moistnre  ;  but,  during 
very  hot  weather,  partially  protect  them  from  the  intense  mid-day  sun,  which 
would  injure  the  delicate  petals,  and  in  some  cases  cause  the  flowers  to  fade. 
As  the  Dahlia  is  so  free  from  insects  and  diseases,  it  was  thought  unneces- 
sary to  give  the  subject  a  separate  chapter.  Mildew  is  the  only  disease  worth 
mentioning,  and  is  caused  by  climatic  conditions  and  unfavorable  positions. 
Give  your  plants  an  open  situation,  and  keep  them  in  a  growing  condition 
during  dry  weather  by  frequent  stirring  of  the  surface  soil,  or  by  a  thorough 
watering  once  each  week  during  the  drouth,  and  mildew  will  be  unknown. 
If  your  plants  are  badly  effected  they  will  never  bloom,  so  cut  them  down  to 
the  ground,  when  the}'  will  send  up  healthy  shoots,  and  with  proper  attention, 
bloom  until  frost. 


II 


THE    DAHLIA.  41 

There  are  but  few  insects  affecting  Dahlias  in  America,  and  these  are 
easily  disposed  of  by  hand  picking.  The  brown  cut  worm  will  sometimes 
cut  off  small  shoots  ;  as  they  will  shoot  up  again,  destroy  the  worm,  and  but 
little  damage  is  done.  The  black  aster  bug  sometimes  attack  the  flowers 
but  are  easily  picked  off,  as  are  also  the  spotted  cucumber  beetle — a  small 
yellowish  green,  black  spotted  beetle  about  oue- fourth  to  three-eighths  of  an 
inch  long,  that  feeds  on  the  shoots  and  flowers.  As  these  insects  are  but  few 
and  scattering,  and  as  mildew  is  seldom  seen,  the  Dahlia  can,  practically,  be 
called  free  from  insects  and  diseases, 

Dahlias  can  be  planted  as  late  as  July  ist,  and  still  bloom  profusely 
before  frost,  as  may  be  seen  from  the  field  view  on  opposite  page.  This 
enables  every  gardener  to  have  plenty  of  superb  flowers  during  September 
and  October,  by  planting  Dahlias  where  early  garden  crops  have  been  re- 
moved, and  thus  at  the  same  time  turn  what  would  be  a  waste  of  weeds  into 
a  lovely  flower  garden.  Yonng  plants  always  produce  larger  flowers  than 
those  that  have  been  blooming  all  summer  ;  this  is  only  a  hint  for  those  who 
wish  to  grow  prize  flowers  for  the  comiug  Dahlia  Kxhibitions. 

The  scene  opposite  represents  one  row  each  of  the  Semi-dwarf  (long 
stem  dwarf)  Dahlias,  A.  D.  Livoni  and  Arabella,  with  the  standard  varieties 
on  either  side,  and  is  intended  to  demonstrate  the  value  of  early  flowering 
Dwarf  varieties,  over  the  later  flowering  tall  varieties,  during  drouth  and  for 
late  planting.  This  scene  also  shows  the  advantage  of  the  single  stem 
branching  system,  over  the  old  method  of  tying  to  tall  stakes. 

While  Dahlia  roots  may  be  ^asily  divided,  it  is  much  better  to  plant  the 
same  clumps  from  year  to  year,  and,  if  but  one  shoot  is  allowed  to  grow,  it 
will  make  an  enormous  plant  and  produce  hundreds  of  flowers.  Specimen 
plants  of  Mrs.  Dexter  and  Crimson  Giant  will  grow  eight  to  ten  feet  high  and 
four  to  five  feet  across,  if  enormous  clumps  are  planted  in  rich  soil  and 
liberally  fed,  while  the  Dwarf  varieties  will  resemble  an  immense  bouquet. 


THE    DAHLIA. 


CHAPTER    X. 

THE   AMERICAN   DAHLIA   SOCIETY. 

HIS  Society,  which  already  has  members  in  several  States, 
even  as  far  west  as  Colorado,  was  organized  at  Hotel  Han- 
over, Philadelphia,  on  March  20,  1895.  Unlike  most  socie- 
ties, it  was  organized  at  the  earnest  solicitation  of  several 
amateur  admirers  of  the  ' '  grand  old  flower, ' '  who  saw  the 
need  of  such  an  organization  to  thoroughly  introduce  the 
new  types  and  forms. 

The  Dahlia  had  underwent  a  complete  transformation,  and  these  admirers 
saw  that  it  was  necessary  to  show  the  marvelous  results  of  more  than  a  cen- 
tury's constant  improvement.  But  there  were  other  reasons  for  forming  the 
society.  The  flower  has  always  been  popular  with  amateurs  and  gardeners, 
even  if  neglected  by  professional  horticulturists,  and  has  been  largely  grown, 
especially  in  the  rural  districts  ;  but,  owing  to  multiplicity  of  names  and  in- 
feriority of  varieties,  the  demand  was  becoming  less  each  year,  and  the  ad- 
mirers of  the  flower,  having  been  deceived  so  many  times  by  beautiful  pictures 
and  glowing  descriptions,  were  willing  to  buy  only  where  they  could  see  the 
varieties  in  bloom.  As  soon  as  the  specialists  realized  this  fact,  they  at  once 
joined  hands  with  the  amateurs,  and  the  formation  of  the  American  Dahlia 
Society  was  the  gratifying  result. 

It  is  the  intention  of  the  society  to  carefully  classify  all  the  existing  va- 
rieties, and  make  a  meritorious  list  of  all  scoring  a  given  number  of  points. 
This  will  greatly  increase  the  popularity  of  the  plant,  by  restoring  perfect 
confidence  in  the  varieties  offered  for  sale. 

The  society  was  organized  solely  in  the  interest  of  floriculture  in  general, 
and  not  to  make  money,  as  may  be  seen  from  the  fact  that  the  yearly  dues 
are  but  one  dollar.  This  subject  was  carefully  considered,  and  it  was  decided 
to  make  the  society  a  popular  one. 

It  is  also  the  desire  of  the  National  Society,  to  assist  the  formation  of 
Local  Societies  in  every  floral  community,  for  the  purpose  of  holding  local 
exhibitions  during  the  Summer  and  Autumn  months.  True,  there  are 
exhibitions  in  all  the  large  cities  during  November,  but  the  majority  of 
gardeners  and  amateurs  are  unable  to  compete,  as  they  have  no  greenhouses 
or  other  facilities  for  growing  roses,  chrysanthemums,  carnations,  and  other 
flowers  during  that  season  of  the  year.  November  is  therefore  too  late  for 


THE    DAHLIA.  43 

popular  shows,  and  it  is  only  in  large  towns  and  cities  that  they  can  be  held 
with  even  partial  success. 

In  speaking  of  this  subject  an  amateur  said  : — "  Of  course  early 'shows 
wrould  not  be  popular  with  the  florists  ;  but  as  the  florists  have  exhibitions 
in  November,  why  should  not  the  people  have  exhibitions  during  the  sum- 
mer and  e^rly  autumn,  when  the  garden  can  compare  favorably  with  the 
best  of  greenhouse  establishments?"  This  is  all  true,  except  their  not  being 
popular  with  florists.  Whatever  would  increase  popular  interest  in  floricul- 
ture would  always  be  most  pleasing  to  florists,  and  they  would  be  only  too 
willing  to  exhibit  and  render  every  assistance  possible  to  the  holding  of  early 
shows  ;  this  is  most  evident  from  the  fact  that  they  could  exhibit  their  finest 
plants  without  danger  of  chilling,  injury  from  gas,  or  other  dangers,  and  at 
a  time  when  popular  interest  and  demand  would  be  greatest.  If  these  early 
shows  were  held  throughout  the  country  they  would  increase  the  interest  in 
floriculture  and,  perhaps,  the  Chrysanthemum  exhibitions  would  be  more 
liberally  patronized  than  during  the  past  few  years. 

The  organizers  of  the  ' '  American  Dahlia  Society  ' '  were  aware  of  the 
lack  of  popular  interest  in  the  late  shows,  and  believed  it  was,  partly,  because 
the  amateur  could  not  grow  and  exhibit  flowers  at  that  season,  and  partly 
because  the  exhibits  were  so  stiff,  formal  and  monotonous.  Therefore  they 
do  not  advocate  an  exhibition  of  Dahlias  only  ;  but,  as  the  family  is  so  large 
and  the  range  of  colors,  forms  and  habits  so  extensive,  Dahlias  are  urged  as 
a  nucleus  around  which  can  be  gathered  all  the  other  gems  of  the  garden, 
conservatory  and  greenhouse.  In  exhibitions  of  this  kind  there  is  always 
something  new  at  every  step,  and  no  two  shows  are  alike  ;  this  with  the 
interest  displayed  by  the  amateur  and  gardener,  who  can  compete  for  every 
prize  on  equal  terms  with  the  large  grower,  imparts  the  greatest  popular 
interest,  appreciation  and  enthusiasm. 

One  of  the  chief  attractions  at  these  early  shows,  is  the  lack  oi  that 
monotony  so  common  at  floral  exhibitions  held  at  a  later  date  ;  vases,  hang- 
ing baskets,  festoons  of  wild  flowrers  and  vines,  intermingle  with  the  various 
exhibits  in  an  ever-changing,  yet  pleasing,  manner  ;  while,  here  and  there, 
groups  of  large  decorative  plants  break  the  outline,  and  the  visitors  behold 
a  charmingly  distinct  view  at  every  turn. 

The  new  society  realized  the  necessity  of  holding  these  early  and  popular 
shows,  and  next  September  (1896)  propose  to  give  such  a  comprehensive 
show  as  was  never  seen  before.  Skilled  decorators  will  have  charge  of  the 
exhibition  hall,  and  everything  will  be  gracefully  and  artistically  arranged  to 
give  the  most  pleasing  effect.  Many  new  departures  will  be  made  in  the 
manner  of  exhibiting,  while  the  prize  list  will  be  so  arranged  as  to  give 
amateurs  an  equal  chance  with  florists  and  growers,  also  with  the  view  of 
giving  a  beautiful,  novel,  and  entirely  distinct  exhibition. 


44  THE    DAHLIA. 

At  the  first  regular  stated  annual  meeting  of  the  American  Dahlia  So- 
ciety, held  in  Philadelphia,  on  October  9,  1895,  the  following  officers  were 
elected  for  the  ensuing  }~ear  :  Robert  Kift,  Philadelphia,  President ;  Henry  F. 
Michell,  Philadelphia,  Vice- President ;  Lawrence  K.  Peacock,  Atco,  N.  J., 
Secretary ;  E.  Clifton  Taylor,  Germantown,  Philadelphia,  Assistant  Secre- 
tary ;  Frank  C.  Bruton,  Philadelphia,  Treasurer ;  A.  Blanc,  Philadelphia, 
Chairman  Executive  Committee. 

The  Society  is  National  in  its  scope,  and  is  receiving  the  earnest  support 
of  both  amateurs  and  professionals.  The  Executive  Committee  represents 
three  btates, — Pennsylvania,  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  while  the  member- 
ship extends  as  far  east  as  Massachusetts,  as  far  west  as  Colorado,  and  south 
as  far  as  Texas.  The  society  is  also  a  popular  one,  and  not  devoted  to  any 
one  class,  but  to  the  interest  of  every  class  ;  and  the  only  qualification  needed 
is  an  interest  in  floriculture  ;  every  amateur,  gardener,  seedsman,  nursery- 
man and  florist  are  cordially  invited  to  membership. 

Every  floral  community  should  be  represented  in  the  society,  as  one  of 
its  chief  objects  is  to  assist  and  further,  in  every  way  possible,  the  holding 
of  floral  exhibitions  throughout  the  country.  That  every  one  interested  in 
flowers  might  become  members,  the  annual  membership  fee  was  placed  at 
one  dollar,  which  can  be  sent  to  the  Secretary,  L,awrence  K.  Peacock, 
Atco,  N.  J.,  who  will,  also,  cheerfully  give  any  further  information  relating 
to  the  society  or  its  exhibitions. 

A  society  organized  on  such  broad  principles  as  the  American  Dahlia 
Society  is  worthy  of  the  liberal  support  of  every  admirer  of  beautiful  flowers. 
It  has  risen  above  any  one  flower  by  advocating  an  exhibition  of  all,  and 
only  adopted  its  name  because  the  Dahlia,  being  the  only  flower  qualified  in 
every  way  to  fill  the  space  between  roses  and  chrysanthemums,  is  the  best  as 
a  nucleus  for  popular  summer  and  autumn  shows,  where  millionaire,  working- 
man  and  florist  can  compete  for  the  same  prizes,  with  equal  chances  of  success  ; 
where  greenhouses  are  unnecessary,  and  victory  follows  in  the  footsteps  of  the 
skillful. 


THE   DAHLIA.  45 


CHAPTER    XI. 

SELECT   LIST   OF   VARIETIES. 

N  the  following  pages  will  be  found  the  very  cream  of  all  the 
new  and  standard  varieties,  carefully  selected  from  the  many 
hundreds  of  varieties  now  in  cultivation.  The  varieties 
named  in  each  class  represent  a  complete  range  of  colors  and 
forms,  and  each  are  the  best  of  their  particular  color  and  type. 
To  avoid  confusion  it  was  thought  advisable  to  group  the  va- 
rieties, in  the  following  list,  according  to  the  present  prac- 
tice in  the  American  catalogues.  This  will,  undoubtedly,  be  appreciated 
by  amateurs  and  others  who  are  not  familiar  with  the  various  sections,  and 
it  will  be  both  interesting  and  instructive  for  them  to  classify  their  collections, 
which  they  can  readily  do,  by  referring  to  the  Chapter  on  Classification  (page 
12)  ;  while  of  course,  those  well  acquainted  with  Dahlias  would  know  at 
once  to  which  section  each  variety  belonged. 

DECORATIVE   CACTUS    DAHLIAS. 

Asia. — A  beautiful,  delicate  peach  pink.  Flowers  are  large  and  distinct  ;  an  early  and 
free  bloomer,  excellent  for  cutting. 

Baron  Schroeder. — An  entirely  distinct  Cactus  variety,  of  large  size  and  great  substance. 
The  petals  are  beautifully  arranged  and  of  a  rich,  glowing  imperial  purple. 

Beauty  of  Arundel. — A  sport  from  and  similar  to  Juarezii  in  form,  but  of  a  glowing 
crimson,  shading  toward  the  tips  to  a  bright,  rosy  purple. 

Beauty  of  Brentwood. — The  flowers  are  of  good  size,  fine  form  and  a  distinct  shade 
of  purplish  magenta. 

Beauty  of  Wilts. — Soft,  rich  terra-cotta,  shaded  red  ;  the  flowers  are  of  medium  size, 
with  long,  twisted  petals. 

Bertha  Mawley. — A  distinct  and  pleasing  variety,  with  long,  spiral  petals,  tapering  to 
a  point ;  the  flowers  are  large  and  of  a  rich  cochineal  color. 

Black  Prince, — Of  perfect  form,  dwarf  and  compact  habit  ;  color  an  intense  velvety 
maroon,  almost  black.  One  of  the  best. 

Blanche  Keith. — A  beautiful  pure  yellow,  with  long,  twisted  petals.  A  dwarf,  com- 
pact plant  and  profuse  bloomer. 

Blushing  Bride, — Soft,  delicate  rose,  of  large  size  and  beautiful  form. 

Bronze  Cactus. — A  very  strong  grower,  early  and  profuse  bloomer.  Flowers  large, 
buff  yellow,  overlaid  reddish  bronze,  tipped  red. 

Clifford  W.  Bruton. — This  superb  new  variety  is  acknowledged,  by  all  who  have  seen 
it,  to  be  the  finest  yellow  Cactus  Dahlia  ever  produced,  and  is  the  greatest  acqui- 
sition since  Nymphaea.  It  is  a  very  strong,  sturdy  grower,  and  an  extremely 


46  THE:  DAHLIA. 

profuse  bloomer  for  so  large  a  flower.  The  flowers  are  large,  five  to  six  inches 
in  diameter,  perfectly  full  to  the  center,  while  the  outer  petals  reflex  to  the  stem. 
The  color  is  a  solid  pure  yellow,  the  clearest,  richest  shade  I  ever  saw.  Unlike 
many  other  varieties,  there  is  no  green  center  at  any  time,  even  when  the  buds 
are  just  expanding.  The  flowers  are  borne  on  long  stems  and  are  invaluable 
for  cutting  or  exhibition  purposes.  (See  illustration,  page  37.) 

Constancy. — Of  perfect  form,  a  rich  reddish  orange,  sometimes  shaded  bronze  and 
tipped  white  ;  beautiful,  distinct  and  profuse. 

Countess  of  Pembroke, — A  distinct  and  pleasing  lilac  ;  the  base  of  each  petal  is  sea- 
green,  forming  a  beautiful  combination. 

Countess  of  Radnor. — A  beautiful,  free  blooming  variety,  in  color  a  combination  of 
shades  of  orange,  yellow  and  bronze. 

Dawn. — Quite  a  distinct  and  striking  variety  ;  of  large  size,  good  form,  and  having  the 
appearance  of  burnished  copper. 

Delicata. — In  individual  flowers  this  is  my  favorite.  The  petals  are  long,  narrow, 
twisted  and  of  such  a  soft,  delicate  yellow,  overlaid  with  delicate  pink,  as  to 
suggest  and  merit  the  name.  While  a  great  favorite,  candor  forces  me  to  admit 
it  is  a  weak  grower  and  needs  high  culture. 

Duke  of  Clarence. — Of  large  size  ;  deep  crimson  maroon,  suffused  scarlet  toward  the 
the  tips  of  the  petals  ;  fine  form. 

Earl  of  Pembroke. — A  pleasing  variety,  with  long,  beautifully  arranged  petals  ;  color 
a  bright  plum,  becoming  richer  toward  the  center. 

Electric. — Glowing  crimson  scarlet,  profuse  ;  excellent  for  massing. 

Empress  of  India. — Of  medium  size,  fine  form  ;  profuse.  Color  a  deep  crimson 
magenta,  shaded  maroon. 

Ernest  Cannell. — Flowers  large,  good  form  ;  a  distinct  shade  of  red,  deepening  toward 
the  center. 

Ernest  Glasse. — A  rich,  purplish  magenta,  of  good  form,  with  long,  twisted  petals. 

Evadne, — A  lovely  free  blooming  variety,  of  beautiful  form  ;  soft,  rich  primrose  yellow, 
tipped  creamy  white,  sometimes  tinged  delicate  pink. 

Glare  of  the  Garden  (Fire  King). — Rich,  dazzling  red  ;  constantly  a  mass  of  bloom. 
Flowers  not  always  perfect,  but  excellent  for  massing. 

Gloriosa. — Of  medium  size,  with  long,  narrow,  twisted  petals  ;  of  perfect  form  and  rich, 
velvety  crimson  color. 

Grand  Duke  Alexis, — A  grand  flower,  at  once  both  beautiful  and  unique,  as  the 
petals  are  rolled  up  so  that  the  edges  overlap  each  other.  Pure  white,  shaded 
pink. 

Harmony. — Of  beautiful  cactus  shape,  the  color  is  yellowish  bronze,  shading  to  a  red- 
dish bronze  toward  the  outer  petals. 

Harry  Freeman. — Pure,  glistening,  snow  white  ;  it  is  of  medium  size,  good  form  and 
substance  and  borne  on  long  stems. 

Henry  F.  Michell.  —Of  largest  size  and  great  substance.  It  is  impossible  to  describe 
the  shades  and  colors,  which  range  from  soft  yellow  to  deep  orange  red  ;  it  is  a 
beautiful  variety,  the  shades  and  tints  blending  with  perfect  harmony.  The 
petals  are  very  large,  broad,  pointed  and  beautifully  arranged. 

Henry  Patrick. — Pure  white,  full  and  perfect  ;  one  of  the  best. 


TYPES  OF  DECORATIVE  CACTUS  DAHLIAS. 
Princess  Harry.  Oban.  Mrs.  E.  C.  Monroe. 

Marchioness  of  Bute. 
Oriental.  Nymphaea.  True  Model. 


48  THK    DAHLIA. 

John  Bragg. — Black  velvety  maroon,  the  richest  of  its  color. 

Juarezii. — The  original  Cactus  Dahlia  from  which  the  class  was  produced.  Intense 
scarlet,  long,  narrow,  twisted  petals. 

Kenerith. — Of  good  form,  large  and  free  ;  bright  vermilion. 

Lady  Penzance. — Rich  deep  yellow,  of  perfect  form,  good  size,  and  a  remarkably 
free  bloomer. 

Lady  Montague. — Rich  bright  salmon;  beautiful  and  effective. 

King  of  Cactus. — Very  large  full  flat  flowers  ;  rosy  crimson  magenta  ;  a  strong  vigo- 
rous grower. 

Lemon  Giant  (New  Weeping  Dahlia). — Of  largest  size,  6  to  7  inches  in  diameter  ; 
perfectly  full,  of  a  clear  lemon  yellow.  The  flowers  are  borne  in  clusters  of  two 
to  four,  on  long  stems  that  gradually  become  slenderer  as  they  approach  the 
flowers,  causing  them  to  droop  most  gracefully. 

Lyndhurst. — Deep  glowing  scarlet;  of  perfect  form  and  one  of  the  best. 

Maid  of  Kent. — Crimson  shading  to  cherry  red,  tipped  white. 

Marchioness  of  Bute. — A  lovely  variety;  pure  white  heavily  tipped  bright  rosy  pink. 
The  first  flowers  are  much  darker. 

Malay. — Flowers  of  fine  form  and  full ;  maroon  black,  striped  purple. 

Matchless. — Very  large,  rich  velvety  maroon;  petals  long  and  twisted. 

May  Pictor. — Soft  yellow,  of  medium  size  and  long  twisted  petals. 

Minerva. — A  distinct  and  pleasing  variety;  of  large  size  with  broad  petals  cleft  almost 
to  the  base,  resembling  a  fine  petaled  chrysanthemum.  Color  soft  yellow,  over- 
laid soft  red  pink,  shading  to  bright  reddish  purple. 

Miss  Barry. — Deep  rosy  lake  ;  distinct  and  striking. 

Miss  Jennings. — Large,  full  and  distinct;  a  beautiful  combination  of  shades  of  yellow, 
salmon  and  pink;  strong  and  profuse. 

Miss  Merridew. — Very  large  flat  flowers  ;  soft  rosy  crimson  ;  free  and  full.  A  very 
pleasing  variety. 

Mrs.  A.  W.  Tait. — Pure  white  ;  cleft  petals,  resembles  a  chrysanthemum. 

Mrs.  E.  C.  Monroe. — A  lovely  shade  of  sulphur  yellow  ;  large  flat  flowers  of  perfect 
form;  a  strong  grower  and  very  profuse  bloomer. 

Mrs.  Francis  Fell. — A  beautiful  and  distinct  snow-white  Cactus  Dahlia,  of  large 
size  and  pleasing  form.  The  flowers  are  flat,  while  the  petals  are  long,  narrow, 
slightly  twisted,  with  revolute  margins,  causing  them  to  taper  toward  the  tips. 

Mrs.  Geo.  Reed. — One  of  the  best  of  this  class  ;  pure  white,  beautifully  edged  and 
flaked  rosy  lake.  The  petals,  which  are  numerous  and  overlap  each  other,  are 
deeply  cleft,  giving  it  a  novel  fringed  appearance. 

Mrs.  Hawkins. — One  of  the  most  beautiful  of  the  Cactus  varieties  and  a  general 
favorite  everywhere;  the  flowers  are  large,  perfectly  formed  and  of  a  rich  soft 
sulphur,  beautifully  shaded  toward  the  tips  and  margin  of  the  petals. 

Mrs.  J.  Douglass. — A  new  and  distinct  shade ;  flowers  are  a  rich  pinkish  salmon. 

Mrs.  John  Arnold. — A  pleasing  shade  of  rose  pink,  of  good  form  and  profuse. 

Mrs.  Peart. — This  is  the  new  Cactus  variety  that  has  created  so  much  comment. 
The  flowers  are  pure  white  shaded  soft  yellow  at  the  base  of  petals,  of  peculiar 
form  and  medium  sfze;  the  petals  roll  backward,  the  edges  overlapping  each 
other,  giving  them  a  distinctly  unique  appearance.  The  plant  proves  a  moderate 


THE   DAHLIA.  49 

or  indifferent  grower  in  America  and  needs  good  culture.     A  very  pretty  flower, 
but  not  always  perfectly  full  to  the  centre. 

Mrs.  Vince. — A  lovely  variety  and  a  great  favorite  on  account  of  its  delicate  shades. 
The  flowers  are  large,  with  slightly  quilled  petals  ;  color  a  beautiful  silvery  rose, 
slightly  suffused  magenta  at  base  of  petal. 

Nymphaea  (The  Pink  Water  Lily  Dahlia). — This  variety,  all  things  considered,  is 
the  finest  in  the  entire  list.  The  plant  is  a  very  strong,  sturdy  grower,  while  the 
flowers,  which  are  always  full  to  the  center,  are  produced  in  endless  quantities 
on  long  stems  well  supplied  with  buds  and  foliage  ;  the  color  is  a  soft,  delicate, 
light  shrimp  pink,  shading  slightly  darker  toward  the  outer  petals,  while  the 
flowers  are  of  large  size,  perfect  form  and  of  most  exquisite  finish,  being  soft, 
waxy,  delicate  and  graceful.  This  variety  is  more  extensively  grown  for  florists' 
cut  flowers  than  any  other,  and  under  favorable  conditions  has  a  delicate,  re- 
fined Water  Lily  fragrance ;  this  odor,  together  with  its  striking  resemblance  to 
the  ideal  pink  Water  Lily,  suggested  the  appropriate  name  of  Nymphsea. 
Nymphaea  is  not  only  entirely  distinct  from  "  Delicata  "  in  color,  but  the  form 
of  both  flower  and  petal  in.  each  variety  represent  extremely  opposite  types. 

Oban. — A  beautiful  variety  of  large  size,  perfect  form  and  an  entirely  distinct  color, 
being  a  rosy  lavender,  overlaid  delicate  silvery  fawn. 

Orange  Scarlet. — A  very  dwarf  decorative  variety  of  an  intense  orange  scarlet  color  ; 
the  flowers  are  perfectly  full  to  the  center,  while  the  petals  are  cupped  or  incurved, 
an  unusual  form  in  the  Dahlia  ;  the  foliage  is  heavy,  of  great  substance  and  of 
a  very  dark  green  color. 

Oriental. — Large,  rich  pale  salmon,  of  fine  form  and  perfectly  double  ;  the  petals  are 
broad,  regular  and  of  exquisite  glossy  finish  ;  plant  a  strong,  vigorous  grower. 

Panthia. — While  not  always  full  to  the  center,  a  favorite  on  account  of  its  lovely 
form  and  distinct,  striking  shade  of  rich  reddish  salmon. 

Prof.  Baldwin. — Bright  orange  flowers  of  striking  form  ;  the  petals  are  beautifully 
twisted  at  the  tips,  which  gives  it  a  peculiar  and  pleasing  appearance. 

Princess  Harry. — One  of  the  richest  and  loveliest  of  this  beautiful  section,  and  one 
that  will  undoubtedly  become  a  great  favorite  ;  the  flowers  are  full  to  the  center, 
of  perfect  form,  with  broad  petals  artistically  cleft,  and  bound  with  a  rich  yellow 
silken-like  cord  ;  at  the  base  of  the  cleft  this  cord  extends  upward,  giving  it  a 
beautiful  spiked  appearance.  The  color  is  a  rich  cream,  shading  to  soft  prim- 
rose yellow  at  the  base  of  petals,  while  sometimes  lightly  tinted  pink  ;  the  flowers 
are  soft,  waxy  and  of  exquisite  finish. 

Rayon  (TOr. — Bright  orange,  with  a  conspicuous  band  of  white  running  through  each 
petal. 

Red  and  Black. — An  entirely  distinct  combination;  deep  wine  red,  heavily  margined 
with  deep  black  maroon  ;  flowers  are  of  good  size  and  fine  form  ;  petals  regular 
and  somewhat  cupped  shaped  ;  the  foliage  is  very  dark  green,  edged  purplish 
maroon  and  beautifully  serated. 

Robert  Cannell. — Rich  magenta  with  a  bluish  tinge  toward  the  tips  of  the  petals. 

Sidney  HollingS. — Large,  deep  maroon,  shading  to  black;  good  form;  a  profuse 
bloomer. 


50  THK   DAHLIA. 

Sunlight. — Very  large,  soft  pale  lemon;  of  perfect  form,  clear,  deep  and  full,  outer 
petals  reflexed  ;  a  very  strong  grower  and  profuse  bloomer. 

True  Model. — In  form  this  is  perfection,  the  petals  are  perfectly  even,  regular  and 
symmetrical ;  color  buff,  overlaid  and  suffused  reddish  bronze. 

Unique. — Center  pure  yellow,  shaded  old  gold,  tipped  and  margined  rose  and  shades 
of  blue,  giving  it  a  glistening  bluish  bronze  appearance. 

Wm,  Agnew. — The  grandest  red  Cactus  Dahlia  ever  produced,  and  one  that  will 
eventually  find  its  way  into  every  collection.  The  flowers  are  of  largest  size, 
sometimes  measuring  more  than  7  inches  in  diameter,  always  full  to  the  center  ; 
of  perfect  form  and  of  exquisite  quality  and  finish,  while  the  color  is  the  richest 
shade  of  intense  dazzling  red.  The  petals  are  very  long,  the  outer  rows  being 
beautifully  twisted  ;  the  plant  is  a  strong  symmetrical  grower,  and,  owing  to  per- 
fect habit,  will  be  especially  valuable  for  specimen  plants. 

W,  T.  Abery. — Semi-double,  white  margined  and  striped  bright  cherry  red.  This  is 
the  seed  parent  of  American  Flag. 

DOUBLE  LARGE  FLOWERING  OR  SHOW  DAHLIAS 

Including  Show,  Fancy  and  Large  Flowering  Dwaif  varieties. 

A.  D.  Livoni. — Beautiful  soft  pink,  with  quilled  petals  and  full  to  the  center  ;  an  early 
and  profuse  bloomer,  and  valuable  for  all  purposes  ;  height  about  3  feet. 

American  Flag. — Ground  color  snow-white,  heavily  bordered  brilliant  cherry  red, 
sometimes  a  central  stripe  of  same  color  ;  distinct  and  pleasing. 

Arabella. — An  early  and  profuse  flowering  variety,  of  large  size  and  perfect  form  ;  color- 
pale  primrose  tipped  and  shaded  old  rose  and  lavender.  One  of  the  lovliest  of 
this  section. 

Armorer, — Deep  red  ;  of  fine  form,  dwarf,   and  a  profuse  bloomer. 

Beauty. — Snow-white,  of  perfect  form  and  good  texture  ;  one  of  the  very  finest  whites 
and  valuable  for  all  purposes. 

Bird  of  Passage. — White,  faintly  suffused  and  heavily  tipped  red  pink. 

Blumenfalter. — Rosy  lavender  ;  flowers  medium  sized,  densely  quilled  ;  an  excellent 
variety  for  bedding. 

Buff  Pink. — Clear  buff,  heavily  tipped  pink  and  edged  royal  purple. 

Chorister. — Fawn  striped  crimson  and  rose  ;  a  pretty  combination. 

Colibri. — Deep  scarlet ;  shows  green  center  ;  profuse  ;  valuable  for  bedding. 

Comedian. — Rich  orange,  striped  and  flaked  crimson,  tipped  white. 

Countess. — Pinkish  white,  tipped  and  shaded  lavender  and  rosy  lake. 

Country  Lad. — Large  rich  sulphur  yellow,  tipped  pink,  edged  darker  ;  dwarf  and  pro- 
fuse ;  a  beautiful  variety  and  invaluable  for  bedding. 

Crimson  Ball. — Perfect  form,  bright  crimson  purple  ;  one  of  the  best. 

Crimson  Giant. — Very  large,  deep  crimson  richly  shaded ;  vigorous  and  profuse, 
sometimes  growing  6  to  8  feet  high  and  a  mass  of  flowers. 

Dandy. — A  peculiar  and  pleasing  variety  ;  pink  striped  and  penciled  with  black, 
though  sometimes  solid  black  and  occasionally  solid  pink. 

Dazzler. — Deep  rich  yellow,  flaked  and  striped  with  bright  scarlet ;  beautiful  and 
effective. 


THE   DAHLIA.  51 

Diadem, — Deep  rich  crimson,  of  good  substance  and  a  constant  bloomer. 

Duchess  of  Cambridge. — A  beautiful  variety,   of  large  size  and  perfect  form  ;  white 

suffused  pink,  tipped  and  edged  shades  of  purple. 
Emily. — Very  large,  bluish  blush  ;  of  large  size,  perfect  form  and  full  to  the  center  ; 

one  of  the  best. 

Ethel. — Large,  rich  yellow  ;  sometimes  tipped  and  flaked  white. 
Fanny  Purchase. — A  favorite  pure  yellow  variety  ;  large  and  fine. 
Fascination. — Large,  white  suffused  and  tipped  pink  and  lavender  ;  flowers  borne  in 

the  greatest  profusion  on  long  stiff  stems. 
Fern  Leaf  Beauty. — A  new  and  distinct  variety,  with  fernlike  foliage  and  of  dwarf 

branching  habit;   color  creamy  white,   with  a  distinct  margin  of  dark  crimson 

around  each  petal. 
Frank  Goodman. — A  grand  show  variety  of  large  size  and  perfect  form  ;  color  a  rich 

bright  purple. 
Frank  Smith. — One  of  the  best  of  the  fancy  type  and  a  general  favorite  ;  color  a  rich 

dark  purplish  maroon,  tipped  pinkish  white  ;  as  the  two  colors  meet  they  blend 

into  each  other  most  beautifully,  making  a  lovely  combination  of  shades  and 

tints.     The  flowers  are  of  medium  to  large  size  and  perfect  form,  while  the  plant 

is  a  vigorous  grower  and  blooms  early  and  continuously  until  killed  by  frost 
Gloire  de  Lyon. — A  pure  white  of  good  form  and  substance. 
Glowing"  Coal. — Rich  glowing  crimson  scarlet ;  while  not  a  profuse  bloomer  it  will  more 

than  make  amend  in  the  quality  and  color  of  flowers  produced. 
Golden  Ball. — Pure  deep  yellow,  sometimes  tinted  pink  and  shaded  old  gold  ;  large, 

perfectly  double,  strong  dwarf  grower  and  profuse  bloomer. 
Golden  Bedder. — Golden  yellow,  tipped  pinkish  red  ;  always  a  mass  of  flowers  ;  grows 

but  2  feet  high  and  is  one  of  the  best  for  bedding. 
Hercules. — Large,  pure  yellow,  striped  red  ;  a  beautiful  and  effective  variety,  and  the 

largest  and  best  of  this  type. 
Honest  John. — A  beautiful  and  distinctly   unique  variety  ;    brilliant  purple  maroon, 

richly  shaded  ;  sometimes  mottled  with  deep  velvety  black  petals. 
James  Vick, — Intense  purple  maroon  ;  full  and  symmetrical. 
John  Keynes, — Large  and  full ;  peculiar  orange  scarlet,  base  of  petals  yellow  ;  dwarf 

and  effective. 
John  Sladden. — Of  perfect  form,    large,  dark  maroon,    almost  black  ;   a  very  strong 

grower  and  the  best  dark  variety. 

Juniata. — Deep,  rich  yellow,  suffused,  margined  and  tipped  bright  red;  dwarf,  com- 
pact in  habit ;  of  lovely  form,  free  and  constant. 
Kaiser  Wilhelm. — One  of  the  finest  of  this  section  ;   of  large  size,  fine  form  and  finish  ; 

yeilow  tipped  and  shaded  cherry  red. 
Lucy  Fawcett. — Very  large,  pale  straw,  striped  and  penciled  rosy  magenta  ;  constantly 

a  mass  of  perfect  flowers  ;  one  of  the  best. 
Miss  Florence  Shearer, — Very  beautiful  clear  soft  lilac,  of  exquisite  finish  ;  perfectly 

double,  dwarf  and  a  profuse  bloomer  ;  the  best  of  its  color. 
Miss  May  Lomas. — One  of  the  grandest  varieties  in  the   entire  list ;  the  plant  is  a 

strong,  vigorous  grower  and  is  constantly  covered  with  the  large  perfect  shaped 

flowers.     The  form  is  entirely  distinct,  having  immense  shell-like  petals  of  most 


TYPES  OF  SHOW  AND  FANCY  DAHLIAS. 

Uncertainty. 
Beauty.  Frank  Smith. 

Souv.  de  Mad.  Moreau. 

John  Sladden.  Arabella. 

A.  D.  Livona. 


THE   DAHLIA.  53 

exquisite  finish,  while  the  color  is  charmingly  lovely,  being  pure  white,  delicately 
suffused  soft  rosy  lavender,  a  most  unusual  shade.  (See  illustration,  page  30.) 

Magnificent. — Entrancingly  lovely,  clear  yellow,  very  delicately  tinged  and  edged  soft 
pink  ;  the  flowers  are  regular,  being  a  perfect  model  in  form  ;  very  dwarf  and  a 
very  profuse  bloomer  ;  the  best  of  all  bedders. 

Marg.  Bruant. — Pure  white,  good  form,  dwarf  and  profuse. 

Mercedes. — A  beautiful  variety,  silvery  white  at  base  of  petals,  blending  into  a  rosy 
lilac. 

Marguerite. — Rosy  lilac  of  fine  form,  a  free  and  constant  bloomer  ;  flowers  borne  on 
long  stems  ;  excelled  for  cutting. 

Meteor. — Very  large,  brilliant  deep  red  ;  a  very  strong  vigorous  grower. 

Miss  Browning. — Rich  clear  yellow,  tipped  white  ;  a  general  favorite. 

Miss  Valentine. — Large,  bright  lavender  pink,  full  and  regular  ;  a  superb  flower. 

Miss  S.  Blanc  Pennybaker. — A  surpassingly  lovely  variety  and  one  that  always 
attracts  marked  attention.  The  flowers  are  of  perfect  form,  good  substance  and 
exquisite  finish  ;  the  center  petals  are  silvery  white  delicately  tinged  soft  bright 
pink,  while  the  outer  petals  are  of  same  color,  heavy  tipped  bright  rosy  red  pink. 

Mrs.  Cannel. — Buff  yellow,  edged  bright  cherry  red. 

Mrs.  Langtry. — Cream  color,  tipped  red  pink,  edged  purplish  crimson. 

Mrs.  Chas.  Noyer. — A  beautiful  flower,  of  a  pleasing  light  fawn  color. 

Mrs.  Dexter. — Very  large,  fine  form  ;  a  beautiful  shade  of  salmon  ;  a  tall,  vigorous 
grower,  and  valuable  for  back  rows. 

Mrs.  Gladstone. — One  of  the  grandest  of  all  show  varieties  ;  of  exquisite  form,  delicate 
soft  pink  color,  a  free  and  constant  bloomer,  a  favorite  exhibition  flower. 

Nellie  Bly. — Pure  white,  penciled  and  spotted  carmine,  distinct  ;  certainly  a  lovely 
variety,  but  sometimes  shows  small  center. 

Nero. — Deep  crimson  maroon,  richly  shaded. 

Pelican. — Large,  pure  white,  distinctly  striped  purple. 

Penelope. — Pure  white,  beautifully  flaked  lavender,  beautiful  form  ;  invaluable  for  cut- 
ting and  decorations. 

Pluton. — The  finest  of  all  yellow  show  Dahlias  ;  very  large,  of  perfect  form  and  a  pure, 
clear  yellow  color  ;  a  strong  grower,  free  and  constant. 

President. — White,  suffused  rosy  lavender,  shaded  darker,  fine. 

Princess  Bonnie.— Rich  creamy  white,  shaded  lemon  yellow  at  base  of  petal.  A 
beautiful  variety  and  a  free  and  constant  bloomer. 

Prince  Bismarck.— Very  large  and  full,  deep  purple,  fine. 

Priscilla. — A  lovely  quilled  variety  ;  yellow,  tipped  orange  scarlet,  sometimes  deep 
scarlet ;  reflex  rich  pale  buff,  making  a  lovely  variegation. 

Purity. — An  improvement  on  all  pure  whites  up  to  date  ;   dwarf  and  profuse. 

Rev.  C.  W.  Bolton, — Large,  salmon  buff,  penciled  and  spotted  deep  rich  crimson  ;  a 
distinct  and  pleasing  variety  (see  illustration,  page  9). 

Ruby  Queen. — A  beautiful  variety,  resembling  an  American  Beauty  rose  when  fully  ex- 
panded ;  clear  ruby  red,  richly  shaded  ;  early  and  profuse  bloomer. 

Ruth. — Large,  creamy  white,  sometimes  tinted  pink  ;  perfect  form  ;  the  plant  is  a 
dwarf  shrubby  grower  of  branching  habit  and  is  continually  covered  with 
flowers. 


54  THB  DAHLIA. 

Souv.  de  Mad.  Moreau. — Of  immense  size  and  deep  red  pink  color  ;  of  perfect  form, 
and  one  of  the  best  for  general  cultivation  or  for  cutting. 

Sport. — A  sport  from  Penelope,  and  of  same  form  ;  bright  rosy  lavender. 

Triomphe  de  Solfereno. — Intense  solfereno,  of  immense  size,  dwarf  and  compact ; 
the  best  of  its  class,  and  invaluable  for  bedding. 

Uncertainty. — Pinkish  white,  mottled  and  variegated  carmine  and  crimson  maroon. 

Village  Maid, — Soft  primrose  yellow,  blended,  penciled  and  suffused  soft  pink  and 
rosy  carmine  ;  one  of  the  loveliest  of  all  Dahlias. 

Zephyr. — Fawn,  tipped  peach  and  edged  deeper  color,  and  an  entirely  new  combi- 
nation of  shades  and  tints  ;  a  beautiful  variety,  dwarf  and  profuse. 

NEW    DOUBLE   TOM   THUMB    DAHLIAS. 

Double  Tom  Thumb. — The  first  of  this  section  and  grows  but   12  to  15  inches  high  ; 

pure  golden  yellow,  tipped  and  lightly  margined  red.     The  flowers  are  produced 

in  endless  quantity  and  last  on  the  plant  for  weeks. 
Edith  Connor. — The  outer  petals  are  rosy  blush  white,  the  center  is  a  rich  rosy  red  ; 

a  lovely  variety  and  grows  but  15  to  18  inches  high. 

POMPON   OR   BOUQUET  DAHLIAS. 

Allie  Mourey. — Pinkish  white  tipped  deep  pink,  quilled  ;  fine  form. 

Aillets  Imperial.—  White  suffused  pink,  tipped  imperial  purple. 

Alwine, — White  edged  soft  rose  ;  a  beautiful  variety  of  fine  form. 

Beauty  Inconstant, — A  profuse  bloomer  and  always  perfect  form  and  beautiful,  yet 

inconstant  in  color  ;   yellow  margined  red,  sometimes  white  margined  yellow,  and 

sometimes  all  three  colors  are  combined  in  the  same  flower.      It  is  entirely  dis- 

trnct  and  one  of  the  loveliest  of  this  beautiful  section. 
Catherine. — Pure  yellow,  of  fine  form  and  borne  on  long  stems. 
Crimson  Beauty. — Richest  crimson,  of  beautiful  form  ;  the  finest  of  its  color. 
Cupid. — White,  tipped  and  suffused  rose  ;  fine. 
Dandy.— Bright  crimson  purple  ;  very  profuse  ;  fine  bedder. 
Darkness. — Very  dark  maroon  ;  one  of  the  best  of  this  color. 
Daybreak.- — Color  of  Daybreak  Carnation,  occasionally  mottled  darker  ;   of  exquisite 

finish  and  form  ;   of  strong  dwarf  growth,  and  blooms  profusely. 
E.  F,  Jungker. — A  rich  shade  of  amber  ;  small  compact  flower. 
Eleanor. — Soft  light  pink,  densely  quilled;  very  lovely. 
Elfin. — Pale  primrose,  changing  to  rich  creamy  white ;  perfect,  free. 
Eleganta. — A  superb  variety  ;   soft  pink,  tipped  deep  pink,  reflex  light  pink,  making  a 

lovely  combination  of  shades  ;  a  constant  bloomer  and  beautifully  quilled. 
Fairy  Queen, — Light  sulphur  yellow,  edged  deep  peach  ;  beautiful  flowers  of  perfect 

form  and  produced  on  long  stems  ;  excellent  for  cutting. 
Fairy  Tales. — Delicate  primrose,  fine  shape  ;  very  free  and  early  bloomer. 
Fashion, — A  very  pleasing  and  effective  shade  of  orange. 
lolanthe. — Orange  shaded  buff  and  salmon,  fringed  petals  ;  peculiar. 
Iseult. — The  smallest  of  all  Dahlias  ;  pure,  clear  yellow. 


THE   DAHLIA.  55 

Juliette. — Yellow  shaded  orange  and  scarlet ;  fine  shape,  beautiful. 

Klein  Domatia. — Rich  orange  buff,  flowers  of  beautiful  compact  form. 

Le  Petit  Jean. — Dark,  orange  crimson  maroon  ;  perfect  ball  shape,  profuse  ;  flowers 

borne  on  long  stems  ;  invaluable  for  cutting. 

Little  Bessie. — Densely  quilled,  creamy  white  ;  perfect  ball  shape  and  constant. 
Little  Cactus. — Beautiful  light  salmon  ;  really  a  pompon  cactus  of  fine  form. 
Little  Diavola. — Beautifully  quilled,  base  of  petals  light  pink,  tipped  black  velvety 

maroon,  with  a  distinct  green  shade  ;  reflex  light  purple. 
Little  Prince. — Red  tipped  flesh,  mottled  dark  crimson  ;  of  perfect  shape  and  an  early 

and  profuse  bloomer. 

Loveliness. — White  suffused  pink,  tipped  and  edged  pink  and  lavender. 
Little  Valentine. — Beautiful  compact  shape,  rich  dark  purple. 

Miss  Lou  Kramer. — Base  of  petals  yellow,  heavily  tipped  clear  bright  crimson,  over- 
laid pink ;  quilled,  reflex  fawn  ;   a  pleasing  variety. 
Mignon. — Very  dark  rich  crimson  scarlet  ;  small,  of  fine  form. 
Prince  Charming. — White,  penciled  suffused  and  heavily  tipped  purple  pink. 
Raphael. — Very  fine,  maroon  crimson  ;  one  of  the  best. 
Red  Piper. — Dark  red  of  a  peculiar  rich  shade,  good  shape. 
Rudolph  Kuhl. — Rich   crimson   maroon,    tipped    white;    a    dwarf,  strong  grower,  of 

branching  habit,  and  constantly  a  mass  of  blooms. 

Sappho. — Dark  velvety  maroon,  tipped  rich  pink-flesh  ;  petals  beautifully  fringed. 
Snowclad. — The  grandest  of  all  white  pompons  ;  pure  snow-white,  of  perfect  form,  and 

such  a  profuse  bloomer  as  to  suggest  the  name.     Should  be  in  every  collection. 
Sprig, — A  beautiful  variety  that  received  marked  attention  everywhere  during  the  past 

year  ;  it  is  beautifully  quilled,  of  perfect  form  and  full  to  the-  centre.      The  color 

is  a  rich  buff  yellow,  beautifully  shaded  and  tipped  bright  impeiial  purple. 
Stella. — A  great  improvement  on  Guiding  Star,  being  larger,  stronger  and  always  full 

to  the  centre,  but  in  every  other  way  similar  to  that  variety. 
Sunshine. — One  of  the  best  scarlet  pompons  ever  raised  ;  of  perfect  shape,  fine  form, 

good  habit  and  a  very  free  bloomer. 

Tommy  Keith. — Cardinal  red,  tipped  white ;  dwarf,  good  shape  and  free. 
Virglnale. — Small,   ball  shape,    creamy   white  color  ;  a  very  fine  variety,    of  strong 

growth  and  blooms  profusely. 

Vivid. — Intense  vivid  scarlet ;  good  form,  free  and  constant. 
Whisper. — Clear  yellow,  edged  with  gold  ;  blooms  continuously. 

SINGLE    DAHLIAS. 

Ami  Barillet. — Scarlet  crimson  flowers  ;  deep  purplish  maroon  foliage. 
Amos  Perry. — A  very  fine  reflexed  flower;  velvety  maroon,  sometimes  lighter. 
Annie  Fell. — Rich  maroon,  with  a  band  of  rose  pink  encircling  disk. 
Butterfly. — Orange  red,  with  gold  blotch  on  tip  of  each  petal. 
Cetewayo.— Beautifully  reflexed,  rich  blackish  maroon. 
Corrinne. — Pure  yellow,  striped  crimson  scarlet ;  beautiful  and  regular. 
Duchess  of  Fife. — Bright  clear  amber,  heavily  bordered  reddish  orange. 
Duchess  of  Westminster. — Pure  white,  broad  overlapping  petals. 


56  THK    DAHLIA. 

Eclipse. — Rosy  mauve  and  salmon  ;  rich  crimson  band  encircling  disk. 

Ellen  Terry. — Bright  pink,  beautifully  reflexed  ;  one  of  the  best. 

Fern  Leaf. — Orange  scarlet,  suffused  violet ;  fernlike  foliage. 

Harold. — Black  velvety  maroon,  fringed  petals  ;  distinct. 

Highland  Chief. — Large,  bright  salmon  pink,  shaded  yellow  at  base  of  petals. 

Isaac  Pitman. — Large,  of  fine  form  ;  lilac,  striped  crimson  maroon. 

Kate. — Bright  rich  orange  maroon  ;  high  colored  and  effective. 

Kathleen. — Rich  satiny  white,  delicately  suffused  soft  pink. 

Lucy  Ireland. — Beautifully  reflexed,  rich  magenta,  suffused  crimson. 

Mrs.  L.  C.  Bassett. — A  lovely  variety,  striped  orange  maroon  and  lilac. 

Maude. — Pure  white,  each  petal  beautifully  margined  maroon. 

Miss  Ramsbottom. — Of  perfect  form,  a  lovely  pink,  richly  shaded. 

Nance. — A  most  pleasing  shade  of  mauve,  perfect  form  ;  desirable. 

Nellie. — Intense  crimson  maroon  ;  broad  golden  zone  encircling  disk. 

Northern  Star. — Bright  red  ;  each  petal  margined  golden  yellow. 

Paragon. — Soft  deep  maroon  ;  edged  bright  purplish  maroon. 

Sandusky. — A  soft  pleasing  shade  of  salmon  ;  fine  shape, 

Snow  Queen. — Pure  white  ;  strong  and  vigorous  grower. 

Titan. — Immense  size,  orange  scarlet ;  of  great  substance  and  fine  form. 

Yellow  Gem. — A  very  pleasing  pure  yellow  ;    of  dwarf  branching  habit. 

SINGLE   CACTUS    DAHLIAS. 

Althea. — Rich  glowing  crimson  ;  a  beautiful  variety,  with  long,  twisted  petals. 

Fair  Maid. — Large,  pale  flesh  deepening  to  rose  at  tips  of  petals. 

Guy  Mannering. — Creamy  white,  shaded  sulphur  ;  long,  twisted  petals. 

Highland  Mary. — Large,  clear  cardinal  red  ;  petals  uniquely  twisted. 

Ivanhoe. — Bright  rose  ;  with  crimson  band  around  the  disk. 

LucyAshton. — White  ;  petals  br.oad,  twisted  at  the  points  and  slightly  incurved. 

Maid  of  Bute. — Soft  rose  color  ;  long,  flat  petals  twisted  at  the  points. 

Meg.  Merrilies. — Beautiful  clear  yellow  ;  petals  slightly  incurved,  large  and  twisted. 

Rob  Roy. — Purple,  beautifully  tinged  violet ;  petals  twisted  very  gracefully. 

Victoria. — A  lovely  pure  white  flower  with  yellow  disk  ;  long,  pointed  petals. 

SINGLE  TOM   THUMB   DAHLIAS. 

Bantam. — Dark  scarlet  ;  plant  very  bushy,  only  12  inches  high. 

Bo  Peep. — Deep  maroon  ;  dark  ring  encircling  center. 

Booties. — Color  a  rich  velvety  red  ;  very  dwarf,  strong  and  bushy. 

Hoop-la. — Deep  velvety  maroon  ;  yellow  ring  around  center. 

Irene. — The  loveliest  of  all ;  delicate  rose,  penciled  pinkish  crimson. 

Lilliput. — Bright  scarlet,  lined  orange  ;  petals  somewhat  pointed. 

Mignon. — Bright  pink  ;  white  zone  encircling  center, 

Miniature. — Clear  bright  yellow  ;  very  dwarf  and  bushy. 

Miss  Grace. — A  most  pleasing  and  effective  light  orange. 

Pearl. — Deep  Mauve  ;  well  formed,  distinct  and  effective. 


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